Raising Emotionally Strong Children

Here are 4 very important things every parent should be doing to raise emotionally strong children.

Be Available both Physically and Emotionally - Kids need to know you are there for them. Sure it is impossible to be with them physically or emotionally 24 hours a day, but just knowing they will see you at the end of the day or can call you when they need you gives kids tremendous emotional security and support. When kids can’t turn to their parents for support they look for it in other people and things.

Set Boundaries - Children need boundaries. Boundaries teach children to take controlled risks, help them better negotiate the social landscape of friends, peers, and school, and give them clear direction.

Give Them Unconditional Love - “Unconditional love provides the cornerstone for a child’s self-esteem. It’s the love that communicates to a child, “I believe in you, I’m here for you, and I love you no matter what.” (source: www.parentingwithoutpressure.com) Withholding your love and approval as a tool to get kids to listen is not effective and it tears down their self-confidence. Eventually kids will learn to resent the manipulation and either give up trying or act out in negative ways.

Be Happy - Kids want their parents happy. Parents are the role models in any family and when mom and dad are unhappy kids know. A parent’s unhappiness makes kids feel bad, worry, and possibly internalize your unhappiness. Take time to figure out what makes you happy as an individual and draft a plan to make it happen.