Emotionally Healthy Kids
April 11, 2008 – 4:48 pmKids whose emotional needs aren’t met when they are young often have a tough time with social interaction and responsibility later on in life. To raise an emotionally healthy child, there are certain needs that are particularly important to fulfill.
First, all children need a safe and healthy home environment. They need to know that their parents or caregivers will be there for them if any need arises. That’s why it’s important to manage your outside stress. Things like financial worries and disputes with your partner that affect your mood and can build mistrust and even fear in your child.
Your kids need your approval and acceptance. Excessive criticism leads to low self confidence, and a lack of praise or recognition leads to feelings of unworthiness. Children may grow up to become unproductive and apathetic, or they might overcompensate by working excessively and developing an unhealthy need to please others. Physical contact is important too. Whether you are giving them a hug and kiss or engaging them in a tickle fight, kids need to know that you are close and available for comfort. Another crucial method of showing your love and support for your kids is the amount of time you spend with them. Parents today lead busier lives than ever before, but kids still need you to take time out simply to enjoy each other’s company. A parent who is always too busy to spend some free time with their child sends the message that their child is less important or not as interesting as everything else in their life.
Contrary to what you might think, kids also want limits. Knowing that rules apply gives children a sense of security and direction in their lives. And it’s crucial that you not only set these rules, but you enforce them consistently. Not only does this assure your children that they are safe and being looked out for, it shows how much you care for them. Predictable rules and consequences will help your child develop an innate sense of responsibility. Young children learn morality, their concept of right and wrong, from early forms of discipline. “Problem” kids who act out frequently are usually victims of an uncaring family who fails to set limits, and by behaving badly they are searching for someone to set these limits for them.
Emotional health is essential for your children to succeed early on and to lead independent lives and hold healthy relationships as adults. When you are faced with the stresses of day to day life, sometimes the best thing you can do is to set your worries aside for a while and play a game with your child. It will go a long way toward enriching both of your lives.
Tags: discipline, emotional needs, love, security, support
