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There are so many little balances we'd like to strike as parents in order to give our children the perfect childhood, isn't there? Well, anyone who has spent a significant time raising a child finds out that parenting is never perfect and micro-management is a sure path to failure. If you concern yourself with every little detail, you're bound to over-obsess on this unobtainable ideal and set yourself up to be an aging parent who dwells on regret about "what you did wrong." Instead, I think as long as you set the wheels in motion on a few big things in your child's life, this can have a huge impact, and that's where you should focus the majority of your energy. Of course, there will be plenty of mistakes, mishaps, and corrections along the way--big and small--but the bigger things set the stage. Here are a few tips to consider for positive social and physical development for your child.
1. Team Sports
While this might seem like one of those "luxuries" for parents who have the time and money, I personally feel team sports are one of the most positive impacts on a child's life. Through sports, they not only get the physical exercise they need but they also learn important life skills, like how to work with others, goal setting, and self discipline. Sports also give them a reason to stay out of trouble and focused on school, all while building healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
2. Summer Camps
Summer camps may seem trivial, and they do, indeed, only happen in the summers, but they can also be a great tool in a child's upbringing. Summer camps give them a chance to build independence and socialize in a world without you at their side, and this does wonders for their confidence and maturity. You can also select camps that emphasize learning and have them focus on a passion of theirs, giving them a chance to develop it into mastery later in life.
3. Music and Art
Another amazing influence on the life of a growing child is an involvement in music or art. Find out what your child is hungry to learn more about and encourage that, even if it means money spent on an instrument and music lessons. Don't pressure them to be a modern-day Picasso or Mozart, but learning these skills takes focus and diligence--and when they are good enough to create on their own, it opens up a whole new world to them.
4. Constant Activity
Finally, just emphasizing a life of constant activity can do wonders for their childhood and their whole life. Teach them from a young age that sitting around the house all day is not acceptable. Inspire them to get into hiking, outdoor sports, swimming, and even regular exercise. If they are still toddlers, just encouraging outdoor play sets a great foundation for later on.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but remember, it's not about perfecting a "recipe" for a healthy life--it's about setting the wheels in motion on some really big paradigms that can serve to guide them. Do that and you can have the confidence to let go of control a little and watch your children grow into themselves.
| About The Author Encourage constant activity in your children's lives by putting together a playground in your back yard, including wooden swing sets, playsets, trampolines or other playground equipment. Set them up for a lifetime of healthy activity. Go to http://www.superiorplay.com now! |
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