Preparing your Child for Life in the Real World

When we first become parents the last thing on our mind is that child growing up and entering the world as an adult.  However, the truth is that from day one of bringing your things in your child that will make the real world exciting and successful or a scary place.  As parents, we have the responsibility to love and protect our children while small but also teach them the right way so they can move on into adulthood with confidence and not fear.  The following are some important things to remember that will make the transition easier for you and the child.

•Responsibility – Okay, cuddling and kissing on that cute baby is all you think about at first but you also need to understand that from the day of conception, you have been given one of the most beautiful responsibilities in the world – nurturing that child and being the one who will help mold his or her life.  Yes, this responsibility is huge but also very exciting and something every parent should feel honored to have.

•Chores – Even small children can be taught to handle minor chores.  A two-year-old loves being handed a cloth for dusting.  No, he or she is not going to do a good job but allow your child to help, knowing you can always go back later and redo the job when the child is not around to see.  Praise your child for the help and watch him/her beam.

•Praise – Another way of preparing your child for the real world is by teaching confidence with praise.  The key here is to praise only when your child has accomplished something, even if small.  Your child will quickly understand that good behavior gets noticed, which builds a sense of confidence.

•Morals – Every child, even those at a very young age can be taught good morals of being polite (saying “thank you” and “please”, showing respect to others, sharing, telling the truth, and living life with integrity.

•Building the Mind – Spend time with your young child reading books and then as your child ages, make sure you are always available to assist with homework.  Of course, that does not mean doing the child’s work but providing assistance in finding answers.

•Activities – Whether playing with other children while sharing toys or getting your child involved with a sport, music, or some other activity will build self-confidence, help with hand-eye coordination, and teach him or her the right way to get along with others, which will take your child far in life as an adult.

•Dinner Time – It is imperative that you have as many sit-down dinners with the entire family as possible.  This is a time of sharing a good meal and discussing the day’s events so happy situations can be shared and challenges resolved.

•Money – One of the most important aspects of teaching your child to enter the real world is by making him or her financially responsible.  You can start by rewarding your child with allowance upon completion of a task and then show the child not only how to save, but also to spend.

•Communication – Unfortunately, a common mistake made by many parents is not taking time to learn the right way of communicating with their child and then finding the time to listen.  Good communication will provide your child with a much-needed outlet while showing him or her, the best way to share to get positive action.

See Also:

The Role of the Family in Raising the Future
Interview with a Young Reader