7 Ways to Boost Kids’ Wellbeing
Happy and healthy kids. That’s what parents want. Mothers and fathers go to great lengths to ensure their children have what they need, are taken care of, and are thriving in every possible way, even from way before the child is born!
Many parents are constantly reading books, taking classes and consuming all kinds of information that will help them in their meaningful role. It seems like there is always more to be learned. So, on that note, here are seven tips that can help boost the wellbeing of your kids of all ages.
Spending quality time together
For a child, spending time with their parents is a huge treat! These special times help nurture the bond between parent and child, and children feel like a million bucks when their busy parents make time to spend with them. Quality time, explains The Peaceful Parent Institute, whose mission is to teach strategies to parents to help them understand their child’s core needs, deepens the empathy for one’s child, which solidifies the relationship and connection.
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Embrace the art of listening
Besides spending quality time together, or maybe even during those precious moments, there is a great opportunity to talk. And when a child opens up and talks, as Parents explains, there is a great opportunity to listen.
At times, It may be difficult to not jump to offering suggestions, and to just be attentive and stay curious to their experiences and inner world. But by doing so, a parent learns about their child and is able to see them more clearly for who they really are.
As similar as they may be to their parents, a child is still their own person with their own particular likes and dislikes, wishes and dreams. And getting to know them, the real them, can be an extremely beneficial, gratifying and meaningful experience.
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Encourage children to build friendships
Having friends and building relationships with others is not only a useful skill but also an important part of a child’s social and emotional development. Friendships, says VeryWellFamily, help children build self-esteem and confidence. Encouraging kids to make new friends and to nurture the ones they already have can be very helpful to them, especially for shy, less extroverted children.
Some ways to show interest in their social lives and help them in this area can be encouraging playdates, creating a fun atmosphere in the home to encourage children to want to bring their friends over, and offering to drive them around.
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Teach children to think positively
Thinking positively might not come naturally to some children, and encouraging this skill can be valuable and stay with them forever. It can help them with their daily challenges in the present as well as help them recover from setbacks and failures, and continue to be motivated to work hard in the future.
Some ways to encourage positive thinking are creating gratitude journals together, making a habit of complimenting your kids as well as other people, and hanging up cards with positive messages around the house and in their room with affirmations like “Shine On” and “Today will be a great day!”
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Encourage physical activity
Physical health and optimal good mental health are strongly connected. The dopamine and serotonin levels that increase with physical activity tend to improve one’s mood, which can then translate into positive thoughts, behaviors and general wellbeing. There are so many pros to physical activity, and instilling this value from a young age can have lasting benefits for children for both their physical and mental health alike.
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Teach children to relax
It might sound obvious, but people need to relax too. This can sometimes be challenging, especially in a world where devices are constantly pinging with notifications. Taking a social-media fast or encouraging a digital detox might seem extreme to some, but it can be very valuable and necessary at times.
Teaching children to pause, close their eyes and meditate can be very useful, as is teaching them the value of mindfulness and being present. This can help them get to know themselves better, help develop their boundaries and remind them to pay attention to their own needs. Parents can also teach their children to think happy thoughts, says Healthhub, or to enjoy a relaxing day by the beach or playing with friends. A day off can do wonders to recharge a child’s emotional batteries.
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Be a positive role model
Kids learn more by watching their parents than by listening to what they tell them. Parents that take care of themselves, physically and mentally, teach their children by example not only to take care of themselves but that it is ok, and important, to do so.
Self care is a need. Parents should not feel guilty taking care of themselves. Going to therapy or the gym, and perhaps even taking a vacation with friends, can be beneficial to the children as well. It might sound like a cliche, but happy parents raise happy kids!
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