Family Centre: “The Way You Treat Children”

[Written by Family Centre Family Support Specialist, Stephany Outerbridge]

One of the most important things that a parent can do is nurture their child. This will eventually determine how a child will grow, love, and parent. First it is important for parents or caregivers to take care of themselves so that they will have the patience, and energy to deal with a child.

Knowing how to balance taking time out for you and meeting the needs of the child is not easy. Taking time away from the child can make a positive difference in the way you interact, manage, and foster a relationship with the child. Knowing and recognizing a child’s individual needs is important. It is important to appreciate their individual qualities, not for whom you want them to be but for whom they are.

Listening attentively without asking too many questions is vitally important. A child will shut down emotionally when overwhelmed with questions.

Interaction with a child when you are not fully focused can cause frustration and make them feel as though they are not being heard. Set age appropriate limits. High expectations of a child can cause expectancy for perfection; this will deter a child from doing their best and can often make them feel as they are not good enough.

We can support our children by looking at the way in which we are treating them it must come from a place of nurturing, empowerment, empathy, and love, allowing children to feel a sense of self worth.

Create an environment where children model what they see valuing people not power. Praise a child for their accomplishments, and efforts encouraging them to continue to do well, and letting them know that they are loved no matter what they do.

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