Raising a child can be tough work, even for experienced parents. From their early years to teen years and beyond, there’s a lot of work that you will be responsible to ensure that they will grow up to become talented, loving, and intelligent people who can make a name for themselves. I think we can all agree that our parents (or the people who have raised us) have made a huge impact on how we live our lives and what personalities they may have.
I know, I know. Just thinking about it can feel like a lot of pressure, doesn’t it? It can be quite nerve-wracking for parents to think about how much of an influence we have on our children. And a lot of times, things don’t go as expected for parents. How we raise our children can either be a positive or negative influence on them. But whether you like it or not, you are a part of their learning journey. Even the best teachers or a professional educational consultant in Singapore will not have nearly as much impact as parents do on children.
The hardest parts of raising kids
As a parent of a young child that has not hit their teen years, I admit that I still have much to learn about parenting. Being a new parent can sometimes feel like you’re drifting aimlessly without direction and help from friends, relatives, or caretakers, the challenge can be tenfold. But aside from providing for your children, earning enough money for their essential needs, or choosing the right school or educational system for them, there’s something about parenting that’s much more difficult. Some parenting tips in Singapore that I wish I’d learned was how to impart your child with good manners.
Think about it: things like grooming or bathing your child, ensuring that they are eating healthy foods, and working to have enough money for them is something that parents can more or less control. For many, providing for your child depends entirely on the parent’s capacity. But learning how to motivate your children to behave, and teaching your child good manners and right conduct, is something else entirely.
The role that parents play in children’s behaviour and personality
We can never predict how our children will act once they grow up. It’s a fact that I learned to accept over the years as I watched the many milestones of my child– from first learning how to walk to learning how to run around the house herself, to exploring on her own and going to school by herself. There are a lot more milestones that she will need guidance for. But even if I’m around to witness most of them, I’ve realised that I can never truly force her down a certain path, even if I think it’s for her good.
My daughter has grown up to be quite free-spirited, and I admit that I don’t always have the right amount of patience when it comes to dealing with them. But have you ever heard of the saying, “every action has a reaction or consequence”? Remember that children have a mind of their own. That’s why good parenting tips in Singapore for behavioural issues in children is never a one-time-fits-all solution.
Choosing an approach to interacting with young children
Helicopter parenting can have negative effects on your children. But when they grow up and start meeting new people, you’re going to realise soon enough that sheltering your children like this can lead to them being quite awkward around peers and strangers.
It’s always been said that children emulate the actions of their parents when they grow up. When I think about this, shouldn’t I want my children to be treated the way I want to be treated, i.e., with respect? I always try to indulge my daughter with constructive hobbies she is interested in, whether they may be art classes or writing courses in Singapore. When she makes mistakes, we don’t dismiss her, instead, we try to get to the root of the problem. When she has behavioural problems in school with either authority figures or peers, we use discipline methods that are both firm and fair.
It can be hard to know when you cross the line with children. In these cases, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Professionals such as counsellors or educational consultants in Singapore can help you create plans to help you and your child.
Reach out to Carean Oh, a professional on children’s education, for information about her early childhood education courses in Singapore. Look through her website for more details!
