HINTS FOR HAPPY CHILDREN

The following is an article by Tina Wojcik, Child Development Specialist.

1. Spend as much time as possible getting involved with your children. Playing, reading, talking and exploring are all natural parent-child interactions that give children the attention they need and desire from their parents.
2. Encourage children in play that encourages their thinking skills, and requires them to solve problems, to come up with different ways of thinking, and to explore their curiosity and behavior.
3. Provide plenty of opportunity for active physical play. children need plenty of space and occasions to physically challenge and develop their bodies.
4. Provide art materials and opportunities for children to creatively express themselves. Don’t judge their creative efforts - treat every one as valuable, special and unique.
5. Encourage children to read and write as much as possible by reading and writing with them daily, and set a good example by reading and writing yourself.
6. Give them ample time for free play, exploration and discovery. Children learn best through hands–on activities.
7. Enjoy learning about the world together - visit fun places, read together, watch the news together. Be enthusiastic and involved in your children’s natural curiosity and learning process.
8. Help children understand the importance of caring for the environment, and that they are responsible for doing their part.
9. Help children to understand and care about all people equally - to value everyone’s opinions, to cooperate with and care about, all human beings.
10. Communicate with your children-constantly! Discuss feelings, opinions, and LISTEN to them. Don’t disregard or make light of what they have to say.
11. Respect your children’s opinions and viewpoints, even when they are different from your own.
12. Encourage-but don’t push-children to try new things, to be confident in their abilities, and to have courage. Tell them they are capable of doing nearly anything!
13. Give your children many opportunities to be independent. Respect their intelligence and abilities and allow them to take on responsibilities, make choices and develop a sense of control over their lives.
14. Talk to children often about their future and dreams. Never limit their possibilities or what they want out of life.
15. Remain light-hearted in your parenting. Play, learn, be happy and enjoy life!
16. Let your children know you love them always and unconditionally. Make sure they understand that although you may not always approve of their actions or behaviors, you will always love them.
17. Remind children regularly that they are unique, special and one-of-a-kind.
18. Let them be children. Let them live their lives to their fullest potential.
    Above all, CELEBRATE YOUR CHILDREN, they are truly the greatest gifts of all.
    

This column is submitted by Colleen Reif, Family Support Worker at the Cranbrook Family Centre. The Cranbrook and Kimberley Family Centres are programs of Summit Community Services Society - a non profit society committed to promoting community well being.

Parenting classes are important and vital in today’s changing environment and are offered at both the Cranbrook and Kimberley Family Centre. You can help by providing your ideas and strategies for these classes by calling Jennifer Westcott @ 489-3114 or Sheryl Irvin @ 427-2449.