Life is unpredictable. You never know what life throws at you and how you’re going to respond to the curveballs, but you end up dodging them in the end. Maybe that’s because you learned how to do it the hard way. That doesn’t mean that your kid has to, too.
If you can teach your kids some valuable life lessons while still young, they can maybe go on living without much trouble. That also doesn’t mean that you will be spoon-feeding them throughout their lives; you have to give them just the right amount to get them standing on their own two feet.
What are the things that you wish you knew when you were growing up? Wouldn’t things have gone better if you knew how that certain situation could have been avoided? You experience these things for a reason; it can be for you to learn these lessons and pass on what you learned to others.
Picking out the life lessons you need to teach your kid can be overwhelming, especially when you want to protect them from the harsh realities of life. But there are things that you have to let them experience on their own. Here are four life lessons that you can begin teaching them while they’re still young.
Health Is Important
If you teach your kids the importance of health, they will learn how to prioritize themselves as they grow into fine adults. Health encompasses all aspects of well-being, including physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health.
They can learn how to put themselves first when it comes to situations where they struggle to survive. This can mean choosing to rest when school becomes too overwhelming or getting treatment when they physically feel pain instead of ignoring them until they go away.
Prioritizing their health can also mean that you’re teaching them the importance of eating vegetables and how they are good for their bodies. Or going to their pediatric dentist regularly to avoid getting cavities and toothaches before they get worse.
When your children understand the concept of prioritizing their health and wellness, they can carry this lesson well into their adulthood. They will be less likely to forgo medical treatment when they really need it, and you can help them avoid serious illnesses or repercussions in the future.
Failure Is Not a Dead End
Instead of letting your children wallow in sadness when they fail, teach them that failure is not a dead end but rather a chance to begin again. If they adopt this kind of positive thinking and incorporate it into their daily lives, they will be unstoppable.
A lot of adults have a hard time making decisions because they are clouded with fear of failure. This fear stops them from going into uncharted waters because they do not know what they hold. Most people go about their lives without leaving their comfort zones, which hinders them from achieving success.
But if your kid learns that failing is not a sign of giving up, then they will have the determination to keep trying until they succeed. Changing an adult’s mindset can be difficult, especially if they are set on their ways.
Your kid, on the other hand, is a different story. By starting them young, you’re not only paving a path for them to cultivate personal growth, but you’re also teaching them that life isn’t always happy, but it’s worth living.
Emotions Are Valid
When your kid tells you how they feel, listen and respond to them accordingly. Teach them that what they feel is valid and that you’re not neglecting these emotions as passing feelings. If they understand that people can feel their feelings, no matter their age or gender, they can become more empathetic to other people as they grow older.
Many adults have a hard time communicating their feelings, which can often lead to misunderstandings in their relationships. That can be because their feelings weren’t valued when they were younger. But when you teach them to value others’ feelings and their own, they can become more compassionate and loving individuals.
It’s Okay to Feel Lost and Ask for Help
Kids often look up to their parents because they think adults have life all figured out, which isn’t true. Share your experiences with your children and tell them that you can feel pretty lost at times too. Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you have all the answers in the world.
Teach your kids that it’s okay to feel lost sometimes, but the important thing is that they never stop trying to find solutions to their problems. Tell them that it’s okay if they’re stuck and unable to continue for a while. And allow them to ask for your help when that happens.
No man is an island. Everyone needs a little help and support once in a while because the world is as complex as it is beautiful. It can also be harsh and cold sometimes, so having people who can provide you warmth is important.
If your children can learn these important lessons while they’re still young, then they can be much more prepared to face the realities of life. These lessons can surpass time, even when you are no longer by their side to hold their hand.
