There are all sorts of families. Some are noisy, others are quiet. But no matter what kind of families and parents there are, the home has to be a place of love, encouragement and acceptance for kids to feel emotionally safe and secure. It also has to be a source of boundaries and limits. Here are some suggestions to improve your home's emotional climate:
1. Watch What You Say. When parents consistently blame kids in exaggerated ways, children feel overly guilty and ashamed and withdraw emotionally. That's why criticism should be done constructively. Cite causes that are specific and temporary.
2. Provide Order and Stability. A predictable daily framework, clear and consistent rules, and an organized house make the whole family more relaxed and comfortable. This spells emotional equilibrium and gives reassuring and familiar support during times of conflicts.
3. Hold Family Meetings. Regular family meetings give each one a chance to air and resolve grievances, as well as share good news.
4. Encourage Loving Feelings. Researchers have found that parents who spend time playing, joking with and sharing their own thoughts and feelings with their kids have children who are more friendly, generous and loving.
5. Create Rituals. Setting aside special times of the day or week to come together as a family gives the children a sense of continuity. Which stays with them as they change and grow. It could be Mass and lunch as a family every Sunday, for example.
No comments:
Post a Comment