Do you wish that your parents had begun even earlier to teach you all about life’s important lessons? As a parent, it is tricky to decide when we need to discuss important life events, such as death, money, divorce and even learning how to be a balanced and fair-minded adult, with our children, even more so as in today’s day and age they seem to grow up so fast. However, you need not worry. By beginning to talk through any worries and concerns that your kids have at an early age, and creating a safe and open space in which to do so, your children will be stronger than ever and ready to face the world.
If you are beginning to choose the right moment to sit down and have a conversation with your kids, then make sure it is when they are feeling relaxed and ready. Do not force your little ones if they are tired and cranky, as you may risk closing the door on an important opportunity. Equally, if your children bring up any questions themselves, then it is vital that you take this chance to begin having a dialogue. Make sure that you treat your little ones as adults from a young age, and be sure to enable them to voice their opinions and ask questions when they feel that they need to. If you begin teaching your kids to be vocal from a young age, then they will soon learn crucial life skills without too much effort.
Money management
Money is always a difficult and complex topic to talk through with your kids, and this will depend on the relationship that you have with finances as an adult also. Make sure that your children understand from a young age that money does not grow on trees! In order for your kids to experience the value of money and the price of things and goods, why not get them involved in your weekly shop from a young age? It could be as simple as taking your toddler to the grocery store and practicing counting up to ten or getting your four or five-year-old to help you pick items off the shelves. As your kids grow up and begin to have their own allowance, or income from a Saturday or weekend job, make sure that they understand the importance of saving. If your kids are looking to buy a new bike or outfit, then it will be up to them to manage their income and make sure that they have enough cash before they can splash out on a treat for themselves. You could try buying your kids a piggy bank so that they can save any dollars or dimes that they earn in a safe place. Take your kids to your local bank too, so that they can open up a savings account and see first-hand how money is managed. Money management is always a complex topic to discuss with children, so make sure that you start as soon as you feel that your kids are ready.
Love and friendships
An important life lesson to discuss with your kids, and one that they are sure to learn first-hand as they grow, is love and friendship. Friendships and relationships with others are wonderful and beautiful, and your kids should learn that with respect and tolerance these interactions will grow into long-lasting and cherished exchanges. However, make sure that your little ones understand that they will need to treat their friends as they too would like to be treated. When it comes to friendships, your kids will need to learn that they need to show respect for others and always be willing to listen and exchange thoughts. In younger children, this will become obvious when your kids have an argument in kindergarten over a toy or a crayon, whereas as your kids grow older, they may have a negative experience in the schoolyard that needs to be discussed. At home, make sure that your children always know that they are loved and supported so that they do not bottle up and concerns or worries that they may have. Encourage your kids to talk about their friendships, and they will grow up into well-balanced, loving and open-minded adults.
It is important too that your kids learn that not all relationships work out. If you are going through a divorce, then make sure that your children do not feel alone, and be sure to tell them that Mom and Dad will still love and cherish them the same amount. Kids often feel vulnerable and alone when any changes occur that affect their family life, so it is up to you to be the adult in this situation and ensure that no animosity between yourself and your partner damages your kids. Provide your children with the opportunity to ask any questions that they need to come to terms with this difficult period.
Follow your dreams
When it comes to teaching your kids about life, and the challenges that they will face, it is vital that you teach them to follow their dreams and do not allow others to put them down. If you want your children to succeed in life and enjoy a career that they enjoy, then make sure that they aim high from an early age. Even if your kid’s struggle in school, when they get home it is up to you to ensure that they have the support and attention that they need to get their homework completed on time. You could also try and support your kids during their downtime, by making sure that they can follow and play any sports that they enjoy and are good at, or make sure that they have the chance to learn a musical instrument or take an art class. Try and provide your kids with a rich and varied childhood, so that they learn new talents and skills that they can transfer into their future career as they grow and mature.
It is ok to say no
Your children will begin to experiment with saying yes and no from a very early age. However, as they begin to grow up and enter into their teenage and adolescent years, your little darlings may soon be saying no much more than you might like! Be sure that your kids understand and explain why they are feeling negative and want to say no – could it be peer pressure is influencing their decision? Make sure that your kids are comfortable with saying no too if they are not comfortable with a particular situation or experience. Learning to say no is an important life skill that will keep them safe and in control well into later life.
Old age
If your parents have been around as your kids grow, then chances are they will love spending time with Grandma and Grandpop, however, old age is a topic that many younger children will struggle to understand. Each and every family dynamic is different and special, so make sure that your kids feel comfortable and ready to ask you questions about getting older, what happens to the body and even mortality if they bring this up themselves. If you have your parents in your life and they are getting older, then it soon may be time for them to go into care or to live in a retirement unit. Sites such as the seasons assisted living provide a safe and welcoming space for residents with an action-packed social and activity calendar. Be sure to encourage your kids to have a rich and loving relationship with their grandparents and encourage them to discuss getting older and what this means as soon as they feel ready and able. This will also instill a good mental attitude and sense of care, consideration, and respect towards older people in general.
As your kids grow up and get older, it is crucial that you begin to talk to them about different life lessons, to provide them with the skills and knowledge to succeed during their own lifetime. Make sure that you do not force these dialogues and make sure that your children feel comfortable asking any questions that they want to. Money management is a vital lesson for your little darlings to learn, so be sure to teach them about the value of finances from a young age. Make sure that your children begin to understand the importance of love and friendships and make sure that they understand that they need to respect others so that they can build life-long bonds. Make sure that your kids feel comfortable saying no, and make sure that they understand the power of this word. Your little ones should also always feel driven and confident enough to follow their dreams so that they can go on into a fulfilling and exciting professional career. Finally, take time to talk to your kids about aging and old age, so that they understand more about this important and inevitable part of life.