A holistic approach to parenting is about looking at all the areas of a child’s development. The goal is to embrace green living, natural healing, and use kind and caring language to promote your child’s well-being. It may seem tough to deliver, but here are 11 starter tips to help you grasp the essence of a holistic approach to parenting.
Achieving a Holistic Approach to Parenting 101
1. Let Them Figure It Out
Children are born curious, meaning they usually get their hands and feet dirty. It’s important for parents to understand that this is okay. Overprotection from parents isn’t healthy because it leaves less room for children to explore on their own. With this in mind, parents should allow their children to learn through trial and error. By doing this, you give your child a sense of independence and accomplishment.
2. Let Them Know the Importance of Patience
Children should understand the importance of delayed gratification. Although it may not be a favorite skill to practice, delayed gratification develops patience. It shows children the importance of waiting. It also teaches them that certain things are worth the wait.
3. Let Them Talk
Censorship isn’t natural for a child. They usually say what’s on their mind, even if their parents aren’t fond of it. If you fall into this feeling, remember that you shouldn’t discourage your child from speaking their mind. Still, there’s a way to channel both your instincts and your child’s impulses constructively.
Have children participate in healthy family discussions. Encourage them to express their opinions. This greatly helps a parent’s relationship with their child. It also allows for a more democratic approach to parenting, since both parties are able to practice respect.
4. Let Them Choose
Parents usually have control over things at home. For example, they control the family’s healthy meals, the family’s spending, and the children’s bedtime. However, this doesn’t mean that the decision-making should end with the parent all the time.
Moms and dads should also allow their children to make their own decisions. Instilling decision-making skills during childhood shows kids the importance of responsibility and independence.
5. Let Them Count on You
Kids always feel better when they are assured they can count on their parents. This is the case no matter how independent a child may be. An extra shield of security can even help push them forward and keep them succeeding during challenging situations.
6. Let Them Know the Value of Money
Parents should teach their children to save money at an early age. Instilling this attitude in younger years shows children the value of money. Additionally, it helps them differentiate a want from a need.
7. Let Them Be Bored
Boredom fosters creativity. That’s why you should give your kids a break from their full days of schoolwork and extra-curricular activities. Parents should try and avoid making their children feel burnt out. After all, too much work and no play will not make a happy child.
8. Let Them Appreciate Little Things
When children learn that having things isn’t really necessary for happiness, then they will start to be more appreciative of what they do have. Parents can model an attitude of contentment and gratitude through simple activities.
For example, you can donate old clothes to Goodwill or set up a garage sale every now and then. These actions help children understand that less is more.
9. Let Them Go Out
The children of today are born in an environment with a lot of digital stimuli. There are tons of kiddie videos to watch and games to play. However, the fun shouldn’t stop with a screen.
It’s beneficial for parents to take their kids outdoors, as it teaches children to appreciate nature. All parents have to do is show their children how beautiful the natural world is and discuss the impacts we have on it. In turn, children become more conscious of their actions toward the environment.
10. Let Them Trust Themselves
Parents should instill self-assurance at an early age. They can start by building their kids up during games and competitions. Phrases such as, “I knew you could do it” or “You had it in you all along” will do wonders for a child’s self-esteem.
11. Let Them Be
It’s normal for parents to have big dreams for their kids. Some want their children to follow their footsteps. Others envision their kids to be athletes, leaders, and so much more.
However, it’s also important for kids to find themselves on their own. Each child has a unique personality and goals they want to attain. Listening to your kid’s wishes and dreams, and showing them support, can result in a happy future beyond your original expectations.
Learn more about the holistic approach to parenting in this video from Wild Family:
Now you’ve been introduced to the holistic approach to parenting. Does it sound a lot like your current parenting style? Raising well-rounded children may feel like an uphill climb, but it’s possible to make it easier with dedication and inspiration!
What are your tips for a holistic approach to parenting? Share them with us in the comments below.
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