A child’s first learning institution is their home & it goes without saying that a calm and nurturing home environment plays a vital role in the growth and development of children. A stable home life is very likely to translate into calmer, more emotionally adjusted children with a greater propensity for learning. Parents therefore have a huge responsibility to create a safe, loving and supportive home for their children, regardless of the day-to-day stresses in their own lives. However obvious they may seem, here are some simple modifications you can make within your home to create an optimum environment for raising a family.
View your home as an educational space
It’s easier than you might think to promote learning at home. Even the most mundane of household chores can be turned into a learning opportunity; Simply sorting toys with preschool children can act as an early introduction to patterns and maths, whereas setting toy treasure hunts for school-aged children will encourage problem-solving and is a great boredom buster to boot.
The longer you can engage you child with learning at home the better, but naturally this is far more challenging with sulky teenagers. However, simply asking plenty of questions about school can help you identify subject areas where your child might need a helping hand. If you are financially able to (and your child is agreeable), you might then want to find tutors who can help address any deficiencies and build your child’s confidence.
Modify your behaviour when under stress
In today’s world, parents are likely to be carrying around significant stresses and burdens. The importance of managing stress should not be understated. If you have money-worries or a problem at work, allowing this to affect your temperament at home, can unwittingly have an adverse effect on your child.
Arm yourself your breathing exercises and take regular time out when your experience periods of high stress. As yourself everyday if you have hugged your child, or told them you love them - don’t allow your stress to create a communication gap between you. Try also to temper your anger when dealing with bad behaviour. If you have a partner at home, support each other with disciplining your child, and strike a deal that the other will step in and help manage the situation if tempers appear especially frayed.
Deal with conflict with your partner away from your children
There is no better way to teach your child to respect other people, than by positively demonstrating these qualities yourself. Whilst it is completely unrealistic to expect arguments and disagreements not to crop up between you, try to park these until the kids have gone to bed. Simply say “we’ll talk about this later shall we?” and walk away. Never complain about one another to friends when your children are present, and do not expose your relationship woes on Facebook. If nothing else, this looks childish and tacky.
Get a grip on your finances, and be open with your children about them
If you have money troubles, confront them head on. Allowing your finances to get out of control will create a stressful environment for your child even if you gone out of your way to shield them from the problem. Instead, try informing your child that money is tight this month and the direct impact this has on them. Let them become part of the solution; perhaps they can pay for their own treats this month by doing chores for extended family members, or selling any unwanted toys at a car boot sale. This will empower your children and show them how to approach their own finances responsibly.
There you have it. Happy parenting guys! If you have any other tips on creating a positive home environment for children, share away by leaving me a comment. I’m the first to admit I often struggle.
