Harvard University scientists regularly conduct research and studies on how to raise our children and raise them to be good human beings. The site Brightsideme has derived 6 rules from university research, and if you follow and apply them, you will greatly improve your child's self-esteem.
The first and foremost rule is to spend more time with your children
This is a well-known tip, which, as we know, does not replace toys, tablets and games in children's clubs. Children have a need to communicate with their parents. Be it in the form of a game, a conversation, a walk in the park, a visit to a museum or reading a book, communicate with your child. The time you spend with them is of great importance for their proper development. But it is more important that the time you share is quality, that is, not you watching a movie and the child playing on the tablet, but simply because you are in the room together, consider it shared time. Quality time is when you are engaged and focused entirely on the child and your mutual communication.
Tell your child often what he means to you and your life
According to a study by Harvard psychologists, most children do not know that they are the most important thing in their parents' lives Therefore, they need to hear it often from them. And you don't spare them, thinking that they know it. It's important for them to hear it so they feel important, loved and valued by you.
Show them how to solve their problems and not run away from them
One example: your child wants to quit the soccer team and practice. Ask him why he wants to leave the team and explain that he has a responsibility to his teammates. If he still wants to leave, let him, but then find another new activity together to help him express his emotions.
Teach them to help you with some household task every day and show them your gratitude
Research shows that people who are used to expressing respect and gratitude are more likely to feel compassion for others, are more generous and tend to help people in need.
That is why it is of great value if you can teach children to help you in at least one of your household activities, whether it is cleaning, dusting, washing dishes, arranging clothes. This will create a good habit and routine for them, responsibility. And you boldly express your gratitude to the children, because they assist you.
Help the child cope with negative emotions
According to the researchers, the ability to sympathize with others, to empathize with their problems, is blocked by negative emotions such as malice, envy, anger, shame. When you help your children deal with these emotions, you give them the opportunity to grow internally and empathize. The road to creating the skill of empathy is long and it is built precisely in childhood.
Show them that the world is bigger, more colorful and different than they imagined.
According to the research of Harvard psychologists, almost all children are only interested in their small family circle. It is important that they learn to be curious about things outside this circle as well. To other people, events, actions. You can do this using books, movies, news, travel, conversations with people from other communities, cultures and countries.
