DavidWolfe.comBeing a parent is arguably the hardest job in the world. When you become a parent, you are suddenly responsible for your child’s future. Parents want their children to grow up to become kind, compassionate, intelligent, honest, and hard-working adults. In order to instill those qualities in your child, you’ll want to start teaching them when they’re young. Because these important things will help your child throughout life.
Here are ten important things you can teach your child by age ten:
1. Respect Others
Teach your child to respect others, regardless of gender, age, race, or religious views. Make sure children understand that showing respect to other people is part of being a kind, considerate, and compassionate human being.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Make Mistakes
We all make mistakes. It’s part of being human. Help children understand that every mistake is a learning opportunity. In fact, we learn mostly when we fail. Make sure they know that it’s perfectly OK to try and fail. And when they do fail, teach them to have the courage to try again. Since we learn when we fail, this is arguably one of the most important things we can teach our children.
3. Knowledge Is More Important Than Grades
Teach your child that learning is what truly matters. If they miss a few questions on a test, go back over the test with them and rework the problems they missed. This way, they understand the correct answers. Also, don’t let them think that getting a “B” is the end of the world.
4. Your Child Can Come To You For Help
Many parents struggle with the line between being a parent and being a friend. It’s important to understand that being there for your child isn’t crossing the line. Make sure your child knows that they can come to you with questions or problems any time, and you will be there to help.
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Stand Up For Yourself
While teaching children about respect, explain to them that they also have the right to defend their own beliefs or opinions. Self-respect is important, too! Let them know that standing up for themselves is important, and there’s a way to do it that is still respectful toward others.
6. Don’t Give In To Peer Pressure
Your child is sure to face peer pressure at some point in their life. Teach your child that being honest and true to who they are is much more important that doing something they don’t want to do in order to gain someone else’s approval.
7. Ask Questions
Teach your child that it’s OK to ask questions. If they don’t understand something or if they are simply curious, let them know that asking questions is a great way to expand their knowledge, and they should never be embarrassed to speak up.
8. Respect The Environment
Teaching your child about the beauty of nature will help them learn to respect their environment at a young age. Make sure they know how important it is to take care of our environment.
9. Tell An Adult If You Don’t Feel Well
Make sure your child knows that their health comes first. If they feel dizzy during gym class, let them know that telling a teacher is the right approach. A child should never be afraid to speak up about their health in fear of an adult getting angry.
10. Learn To Say “No”
Make sure your child isn’t afraid to say “no” when necessary. If anyone is making them feel uncomfortable or trying to make them do something they know is wrong, teach them to stand up for themselves and say “no.” This lesson will come in handy throughout their adult life.
The Flip Side
While it’s important to teach children these life lessons and be a good example, we need to look at the flip side of that coin. Sometimes we aren’t our best selves, either – hey! we all have bad days – and we need to be careful how we communicate. Consider these things to avoid saying to your daughter (or son, for that matter). And try to recognize when you’re feeling stressed, so you can take a moment to help yourself before you help your child.
Sources:
Bright Side
Parents
Wiki How
PBS Parents