Raising Children with Love

Being a parent is a very important responsibility. It is more than just providing offspring with the necessities to live. Being a parent is about loving your children and nurturing them in a way that will help them to become the best person they can be. There is not one right way to do this, but the number one thing that I really feel is most important is love. Love should be the motivator behind everything parents do. It is important that children know that they are loved by their parents.

No matter how much you love your children, there will still be problems and disagreements. There really isn’t a way to avoid it. What is important, however, is how these problems are handled. If they are addressed in a proper way, it can make the family stronger and can be an opportunity for family members to learn and grow.

An important thing that families should do is discuss certain scenarios before they happen so that if they do come up, the family will know how to handle them. Taking the time to talk about such things with your children will help them to see that you care. It can also help decrease disagreement further down the road. Whatever it is that you decide, help your kids to see that you trust them in making good decisions. Giving them too little freedom can make them feel as if you do not believe in their capability to do what is right.

There will most likely be times where your children choose to not listen or to disobey. In these times, it is important to give them opportunities to learn and grow. Be patient and kind to them. If they still disobey, it may take a firmer approach, but love should still be the motivator.

Love should even be present when choosing consequences. Make sure that the consequences are logically tied to the behavior. In doing this, children will be able more easily see the connection between the two. It is also important to only give limits and discipline that are in the best interest of your children. The goal isn’t to reward or punish your children until they behave in a way that you approve of. The goal is to provide them with opportunities to learn and grow and become successful and happy in life.

Teaching your kids so that they can be happy and successful happens in other ways too. One that I feel is very important is taking time for your kids. Teach them new skills, do fun activities together, and talk to them. I know that the relationship that I have with my parents has been formed because of the time that they have taken to show their love for me and get to know me. It goes the other way too. As I show my parents that I love them and take the time to be with them, I have been able to become closer to them. I have learned so much from my parents. If I wouldn’t have had that quality time with them, I would have missed out on a lot of valuable experiences and lessons.

Along with time, kids need validation. It can be very discouraging if they feel like they are always getting in trouble and being criticized. Even if that is not your intent, it can happen. It is important to recognize their strengths, to motivate them, and to encourage them.

These are only a small portion of the things that I feel would be important in parenting. How ever you decide to raise your family, please be mindful and intentional of the impacts that you have. Never underestimate the power of loving parents who raise their children in goodness. The things that happen in your own home can go on to change the world.