Heartfelt Moments: The Magic of Appreciating Your Child

Parenting is a journey filled with challenges, joys, and countless opportunities for growth. Amidst the chaos of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in the routine and forget to pause and appreciate the little wonders that our children bring into our lives. 

Kids grow up so quickly that I can feel time slipping through my fingers and I wish I could slow it down. I think to myself that if I can’t do that, I can at least make sure I am appreciating every moment.

Here is a short story that might help you understand this better.

Kaira, a five-year-old girl, comes back from school. She is excited to show her English test in which she scored good marks. Her mother’s reaction was the opposite of what she was expecting. She saw the test and pointed out one spelling mistake that she made. She didn’t look at the test where the child performed flawlessly. Kaira was sad and demotivated. Her mother was looking for perfection from a five-year-old child. And so, she just didn’t bother to appreciate the child for the good work done.

Do you think it’s good to highlight that one mistake and forget the entire hard work put in by the child? Sometimes, as parents unknowingly, we expect too much from our young ones. Putting unnecessary pressure, constant criticism, and demotivating a child will only increase their anxiety and stress, and eventually, they will develop low self-esteem and low confidence levels.

Learning to appreciate your child is not only essential for their well-being, but also for building a strong and nurturing relationship. This blog will help you cultivate a mindset of appreciation in your parenting journey.

Some Guidelines for Parents:

·Embrace Their Uniqueness:

Every child is unique, with their own set of strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. Instead of trying to mold them into someone they’re not, embrace their uniqueness. Take the time to understand their interests, passions, and personality traits. Celebrate their individuality and encourage them to be their authentic selves.

·Notice the Small Things:

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the small things that make our children special. Take the time to notice and acknowledge their efforts, whether it’s a drawing they made, a story they wrote, or a new skill they learned. Offer specific praise and encouragement to show them that their efforts are valued and appreciated.

·Listen with Empathy:

Effective communication is key to building a strong parent-child relationship. Practice active listening and show empathy towards your child’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. By listening with empathy, you validate their emotions and let them know that their voice matters.

·Focus on Positive Reinforcement:

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for encouraging positive behavior in children. Instead of focusing solely on disciplining negative behavior, make an effort to catch your child doing something right and praise them for it. This could be as simple as saying “thank you” when they help with chores or acknowledging their kindness towards others. By focusing on the positive, you reinforce desirable behavior and boost your child’s self-esteem.

·Lead by Example:

Children learn by example, so it’s important to model the behavior you want to see in them. Show appreciation towards your child and others in your life through your words and actions. Express gratitude for the little things, say “I love you” often, and demonstrate kindness and respect towards others. By leading by example, you teach your child the value of appreciation and kindness.

·Make Quality Time a Priority:

In today’s fast-paced world, quality time with our children can easily get sidelined by other commitments. Make a conscious effort to prioritize quality time with your child, free from distractions. Whether it’s playing games, going for a walk, or simply cuddling up with a book, cherish these moments together. Use this time to bond with your child, create lasting memories, and strengthen your relationship.

Appreciate effectively: You can make that moment of appreciation both special and effective by:

1. Giving your child your full attention. Make eye contact (if necessary, getting down to the level of your toddler or pre-schooler)

2. Using the child’s name and speaking warmly

3.. Smile, so your child knows you are really happy using loving gestures – a gentle touch, a pat on the back, a hug, a high five.

4. Appreciate generously, even for small and silly things. (E.g. If a child has just learned to use a crayon and has just scribbled, smile and appreciate)

5. Show interest, be specific and avoid comparisons with other kids

Learning to appreciate your child is an ongoing process that requires patience, mindfulness, and intentionality. By embracing their uniqueness, noticing the small things, listening with empathy, focusing on positive reinforcement, leading by example, and making quality time a priority, you can cultivate a deep sense of appreciation in your parenting journey. 

Remember, the greatest gift you can give your child is your love, acceptance, and appreciation for who they are.