Parenting -

Unschooling your child

What Is Unschooling?

Unschooling is the most fluid style of homeschooling. There is no curriculum and no set boundaries. Many parents feel a bit apprehensive about such freedom. However, even unschooling has certain guidelines that make it a great method of homeschooling.

Guidelines for Effective Unschooling

1. Allow Your Child to Express Interests

Firstly, allow your child to express interests. Let her select the topic. If she wants to learn about flowers, tell her about the various flowers, their functions, parts of the flower, rare flowers, etc. But don’t go overboard. Allow her the freedom to stop when she has had enough. This process of learning may take a month or a day. It is up to the child to decide how much she wants to learn.

2. Expand Your Child’s Interests

Expand your child’s areas of interest using videos, books, magazines, puzzles, and games. Go to a museum or take her to a library. Simultaneously, broaden your own interests. The more you know, the more the child gets to learn.

3. Notice Opportunities for Learning

Notice all opportunities for learning. When in the kitchen, point out the vitamins in fruits and vegetables. What makes tomatoes red, and why are leafy vegetables good? If you don’t know the answers, don’t worry. Look them up.

4. Be Patient and Encouraging

Lastly, don’t worry if the progress seems slow. This is just the way kids learn. Give them time and lots of encouragement.

By following these guidelines, unschooling can become a rewarding and effective way to nurture your child’s natural curiosity and love for learning.

Constructing Your Child’s Healthy Sense of Self Esteem

The Importance of Self-Esteem in Children

Your Child’s Healthy Sense of self-esteem is their mental foundation. A self-assured child is confident, secure, happy, well-adjusted, and successful. They can solve problems that come their way, and their self-esteem thrives under a loving parent’s nurturing care.

How to Build a Child’s Healthy Sense of Self-Esteem

1. Accept Your Child for Who They Are

Most importantly, accept your child for who they are, and help them do the same. Teach your child that nobody is perfect and that everyone makes mistakes. Show them how to learn and grow from their mistakes, and let them know that you also make mistakes.

Children with high self-esteem are able to take lessons from mistakes and apply them down the road. A child with low self-esteem becomes frustrated and resorts to self-deprecating behavior, such as calling themselves “stupid” and vowing to “never try that again.”

2. Help Your Child Discover Their Abilities and Talents

Help your child discover their abilities and talents, and encourage outlets for them to build on and improve them. Praise a child not only for improvements in abilities and skills but also for the traits they naturally possess.

3. Encourage Positive Decision-Making(Child’s Healthy Sense of Self Esteem)

Encourage your child to make positive choices. Open an honest dialogue with your child and discuss the possibilities with them. Children who learn skills for making positive choices when they are younger are well-prepared for the tougher choices they have to make when they are older.

4. Spend Quality Time Together(Child’s Healthy Sense of Self Esteem)

Ensure that you spend lots of quality time with your child, at least once a week. Whether you are shooting baskets or going out to grab a hamburger, take time to talk and keep in touch. If you find it difficult to squeeze in quality time during a hectic week, take the time to talk about things during the drive to school or while they are helping you put the groceries away.

By following these steps, you can help your child build a strong sense of self-esteem, setting them up for a confident and successful future.

Follow Through Is the Key to Successful Discipline

The Challenge of Consistency in Discipline

Let’s face it: there are days when it seems easier to let your child have their way rather than feeling like you’re fighting a losing battle when trying to discipline them(Follow Through). They beg, plead, cry, barter, and scream—anything to avoid facing the consequences of their actions. However, it’s crucial not to lose your strength and will during these moments. Consistent disciplinary action is essential for teaching your child positive and acceptable behaviors. There should be no room for negotiation when it comes to bad behavior, and no exceptions should be made when it’s time to address misdeeds.

Setting Clear Expectations and Consequences(Follow Through)

Before any misdeeds occur, it’s important to sit down with your child and discuss the consequences of inappropriate behavior or poor decisions. Be concise and consistent when explaining these consequences so that when the time comes to enforce them, you can follow through with ease. Children are constantly testing the boundaries and limits set for them, and the temptation to “bend the rules” just once or twice can be overwhelming, especially when your patience is running thin.

Staying Firm Yet Fair

When enforcing consequences, it’s important to be firm yet fair. Emphasize that the consequence was the agreed-upon outcome for the specific misdeed or inappropriate action, and that now is not the time for negotiation. Afterward, take time to discuss the situation with your child. If it seems that a consequence that worked initially is no longer effective, it may be time to rethink the punishment and negotiate a new approach.

However, parameters set for your child’s well-being or safety should never be negotiated. In other cases, it may be appropriate to develop a new consequence based on your child’s age, temperament, or maturity level.

Ensuring Consistency Among Caregivers(Follow Through)

It’s also imperative that your spouse and any other adult caregivers are on the same page and follow through with punishments consistently and clearly. If you determine that a previous approach is no longer effective and decide to establish new parameters, ensure that all adult caregivers are informed. This ensures that follow-through remains consistent and clear, reinforcing the importance of accountability and discipline.

By maintaining consistency, clarity, and fairness, you can effectively guide your child toward positive behavior and decision-making.

How to Homeschool Your Child: Top Tips

Now that you have decided that homeschooling is the way to educate your child, get ready for the excitement and the challenges—the road ahead may be a bit bumpy, but the rewards more than makeup for it. Producing a well-adjusted and well-rounded individual is no small achievement(How to Homeschool Your Child).

1. Understand Your State’s Homeschooling Laws

Before diving into homeschooling, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your state’s homeschooling regulations. Some states require an affidavit to be filed with the State’s education department. Homeschooling laws generally fall into three categories:

Private School Laws
Home Education Laws
Equivalency Laws

Make sure to research your state’s specific requirements. You may also need to maintain a portfolio documenting your child’s educational progress. Additionally, some states require parents or teachers to meet minimum educational qualifications. Always check the legal requirements before starting homeschooling.

2. Find a Support Group(How to Homeschool Your Child)

Homeschooling can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you live in a neighborhood where well-meaning friends or neighbors question your decision. Joining a support group of like-minded individuals can provide emotional insulation from criticism and societal pressures.

Support groups often organize fun and educational activities, such as visits to the zoo, museums, or ice cream shops. These events not only enrich your child’s learning experience but also help them build lasting friendships with other homeschoolers. These relationships often endure, unlike those formed in traditional schools where friends may change schools frequently.3. Choose a Curriculum

Selecting the right curriculum is one of the most important steps in homeschooling. Depending on your preferred homeschooling method, you can choose from a variety of tools and resources. The internet is a treasure trove of information and materials for homeschooling. Take the time to research and explore the options available to find what works best for your child.

4. Establish Ground Rules(How to Homeschool Your Child)

Homeschooling requires a high level of self-discipline and commitment. Here’s a list of essential qualities and tools you’ll need:

Eagerness to learn
Hard work and effort
Discipline
Time and patience
Flexibility
Enthusiasm

Setting clear ground rules will help create a structured yet flexible learning environment.

5. Reflect on Your Motivations

Understanding why you want to homeschool is crucial. Your reasons and motivations serve as the foundation for your child’s education. Discuss homeschooling with your children and ask for their input. Their feelings and opinions matter and can help shape the homeschooling experience.

6. Customize the Curriculum

Every child is unique, so it’s important to tailor the curriculum to suit your child’s needs and learning style. You can either select a pre-designed curriculum or create a custom one. Record-keeping is an essential part of homeschooling, so explore different methods to track your child’s progress.

7. Create a Flexible Schedule

One of the advantages of homeschooling is flexibility. Your child doesn’t need to follow a rigid 6-7 hour school day. Allow them to dictate the pace and schedule. Focus on making learning enjoyable and engaging. Avoid overloading your child with too many skills in a single term or year. Instead, prepare a skill list and introduce new concepts when your child is ready.

8. Embrace Gentle Parenting(How to Homeschool Your Child)

Gentle parenting is key to successful homeschooling. When children are taught in a supportive and nurturing environment, they tend to show greater enthusiasm for learning. Homeschooled children often grow into well-balanced, well-informed individuals who thrive academically and socially.

By following these steps, you can create a fulfilling and effective homeschooling experience for your child. Remember, the journey may have its challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Effective Vacation Tours For Single Parents

Introduction(Effective Vacation Tours For Single Parents)

Single parents sometimes feel helpless and lonely because of the heavy responsibilities that they shoulder, such as family expenses, not to mention the responsibilities in caring for their children. Single parents who think they are getting drowned in their responsibilities may take a vacation tour as a break from never-ending duties(Effective Vacation Tours For Single Parents).

Benefits of Vacation Tours for Single Parents

Vacation tours for single parents are good to refresh the mind and body from the workload they encounter every day. Vacation tours may also be good for the children to get the full attention of their parents. Children sometimes feel neglected because of the busy work schedules of their parents. Children are given limited time and are sometimes left in the care of other people.

Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Children(Effective Vacation Tours For Single Parents)

Vacation tours for single parents can bridge the gap between single parents and their children. During vacation tours, single parents may get along well with their child. No phone calls from the boss, no meetings to attend, and no interruptions can take place between them.

Travel Agencies Catering to Single Parents

Because of the growth rate of people becoming single parents, most travel agencies offer vacation tours for single parents accompanied by their children.

There are also travel agencies designed only for vacation tours for single parents or adults traveling alone with their kids. They arrange their trips either by land, air, or sea. They also help single parents comply with all the requirements needed for the vacation tours.

Planning Vacation Tours for Single Parents

Single parents who wish to have vacation tours with their kids may plan ahead of time. Planning a vacation tour for single parents with their kids going abroad needs more time to prepare rather than planning for vacation tours locally.

Preparing for International Vacation Tours

Preparing vacation tours for single parents who are going outside the country must be done at least 2 months before their date of departure. Single parents are required to apply for a visa before entering other countries. There are countries that require foreigners to secure a visa, but there are also countries that do not require one to enter.

Preparing for Local Vacation Tours

Taking vacation tours for single parents in local destinations needs only a shorter time of preparation. Being a resident of your country, you are more familiar with your country’s laws and regulations. You can easily accomplish the requirements needed for your vacation tours.

Checking Requirements for Vacation Tours

To check all the requirements of your country of destination, it is better to visit the website of the corresponding country you wish to visit. You may also call their consulate and inform them that you wish to go on a vacation tour with your children. You may also tell them your situation as a single parent going on a vacation tour.

Assistance from Travel Agencies

Single parents may also contact a travel agency that offers not only vacation tours for single parents but also caters to assistance in securing all the requirements needed for your vacation. It will save time and energy for every single parent. Remember that single parents double their time for family and work as well.

Travel agencies that offer vacation tours for single parents are expected to be more considerate and patient in dealing with their clients, given the single parents’ hard situation. They should understand the sentiments of every single parent who feels they are losing time for themselves and their children.

How Employers Can Help Single Parents

How can employers help single parents in their situation?

Many companies nowadays are able to construct programs for their single-parent employees, such as vacation tours for single parents. Vacation tours for single parents are awarded to single-parent employees for the good job they have done in helping their company achieve success.

Other companies may implement the same program of vacation tours for single parents to make them more productive and aggressive in their work. They will realize that their companies are not only interested in the work they are rendering but that the companies are also concerned with their situation.

Vacation tours for single parents are a good opportunity for single parents who want to show more beautiful places to their kids without spending their own money. If all companies offer vacation tours for single parents, every single parent will not take this kind of opportunity for granted.

Financial Aid for Single Parents

Introduction to Financial Aid for Single Parents

You would probably think that as a single parent, you could do what has to be done all on your own. You feel that you have what it takes to be a good single parent(Financial Aid for Single Parents).

Hopefully, you are not one of those who assume that they are in the lineage of superheroes, handling every weight on their shoulders. You would get yourself busy on all sides with the different activities that can show your kids that you, as a new family, can handle it on your own.

But has it ever occurred to you that it might not be all about your relationship with your kids? Yes, it is primarily about that, but can you do so without financial help?

Financial Complications for Single Parents

Financial complications usually come up when households of single parents try to have college education covered. This is where you realize that you need aid after all, financial aid.

There are certain policies in having financial aid determined for single parents, like you if ever you are one, that are deemed to be highly confusing at times. This article would gladly give you an overview of the process.

Determining the Custodial Parent(Financial Aid for Single Parents)

In case you do not know, the custodial parent is the one with whom the child, specifically a student, has lived the most in the span of the twelve months that have already passed.

If the student admits that he or she did not live with a certain parent more than the other parent, then his or her parent who has provided most of the financial support in the past twelve months will be the one to fill out the FAFSA.

Another situation would be if the student got to live with each of his or her parents with the equal amount of time and also if the parents provided an equal level of assistance, in terms of finances, then the parent who will claim the student for purposes of income tax should be the one to do the filling out of the FAFSA.

Including Child Support and Alimony

You must never forget that any child support or any alimony that has been received from a non-custodial parent must always be included on the FAFSA.

Understanding FAFSA

It might be a bit too late to say this, since this article has been mentioning it for quite some time now. FAFSA actually is an acronym for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Now you know, so you can stop creasing your forehead in wonder every time you read the acronym FAFSA.

Federal Government Considerations

The federal government does not put the income or the assets of a non-custodial parent to consideration, especially when the student’s financial need is being determined.

Private Colleges and Non-Custodial Parents

Just in case you do not know, many private colleges take into account the assets and income of the non-custodial parent, even if he or she does not want to be included in contributing to college costs.

These said colleges would ask for a supplemental financial aid form from a non-custodial parent. This said financial aid form does a whole lot in affecting the awarding of the aid of the school, however, it is neither federal nor state.

Special Cases for Waivers

Still, there are special cases wherein a number of private colleges will waive the requirements for non-custodial information. There is, however, a criterion that has to be met so that a certain single-parent household will not be automatically qualified for a waiver.

Criteria for Waivers

Non-Custodial Parent Not Found or Located: The non-custodial parent should not be found nor located. So this would only make it eventual that that certain parent has not made any form of child support payment recently, and it is also an indication that that parent has not been consistent in his or her child support payments.
Long-Time Separation or Divorce: If the separation or the divorce has happened in the past of the past, which means it was really a long time ago, then it is highly reasonable to expect a provision from that non-custodial parent.
History of Neglect or Abuse: And lastly, if the said non-custodial parent has a history of neglect or of abuse either with the child or with the other parent.

Documentation for Waivers

Court records will be used for documentation for the said criteria. Hopefully, it is now clear to you that the criteria must be documented first so that there will be a waiver for the information regarding the non-custodial parent.

Effects Of Single Parenting On Child

Times have really changed. Old people always argue that modern culture has forsaken and outgrown the values taught and instilled by old customs, beliefs, and traditions. Moralists and conservative people are almost always raising their brows and expressing disgust over how current beliefs and cultural systems are evolving. What has been unacceptable in the old world is now becoming fast and rapidly rising trend. Taboos and outcast-driving issues of yesteryears are now very common and have set minds of people to believe that they are just normal and acceptable(Effects Of Single Parenting On Child).

Single Parenting(Effects Of Single Parenting On Child)

One of the issues that were raising the ire of people decades and even centuries back is the issue of single parenting. A quick look at social philosophies links single parenting to adventurism and liberation of people. The Catholic Church has always been the dominating mentor and guide of traditions, norms, and living. The church is so adamant in advocating the sanctity of the sacrament of marriage or matrimony.

That is why procreation outside wedlock is strictly considered a ground for excommunication. It is one of the greatest sins, according to the Catholic Church, to engage in pre-marital sex. Single parenthood, in that sense, can be taken as a punishment of some sort, to the people who disobey the teachings of the church. But radical thinkers think otherwise. So, is it?

Single parenting is becoming a rapidly rising trend in society. Studies in the US alone indicate that there are four single parents for every ten parents, and there are two single parents for every 10 adults in the country. Your great-grandparents must be really turning in their graves if they could be able to hear such statistics. How times have changed!

The Child

Because single parenting or parenthood is somehow a choice and decision taken by the parent, one voice is still unheard of. It is that of the child’s. Psychologists and advocates argue and insist that single parenting has adverse mental, emotional, and psychological effects on the child. Tests from time to time validate that premise. Several studies have found that the child’s thinking and mental mindset is somehow altered or affected if that child was raised by a single parent.

Although single parents must be commended for raising a child alone, he or she should not be blamed for any mental or psychological result of the situation on the child, as psychologists assert. Tests and observations have consistently concluded and found that single parenting makes children more aggressive and rebellious. Experts say the behavior could be the outcome of the angst and humiliation the child experiences while growing.

Because traditional and normal families have two parents, the mom and the dad, jointly raising kids, single parenting somehow makes the child feel abnormal, different, and unaccepted. Society can sometimes be too cruel for such children, which can make things worse. Humiliation and awkward feelings of insecurity are dangerous if left untreated or undetected in the child. That child can take the burden for the rest of his or her life.

The Need for Support(Effects Of Single Parenting On Child)

Thus, single parents and their children both need professional help through counseling. Reasonable advice and guidance should be given both to the child and the single parent to ensure that both of them deal with past, present, and future issues arising from single parenting. Counseling from professionals can form or make up a support system that will make single parenting easier and more effective. Because single parenting is no ordinary parenting, the parent and the child must learn to accept the situation minus the negative feelings.

A Changing Society

Nowadays, single parenting is becoming a normal occurrence. Society is no longer that judgmental towards the single parent and the child. It can probably be because of the immunity of the rising number of single parents. Anyway, it can be positive because, at least, single parents choose to be productive.

Children Of Single Parents And Crime Rates

The Emotional Struggles of Single Parenthood

The hardest thing to face as a single parent are the intense emotions associated with being both a mother and a father to a child. This is further magnified when the other parent is absent or is deliberately not doing anything to fulfill his part in the caring for the children. More often than not, the single parent’s psychological well-being bogs down(Children Of Single Parents And Crime Rates).

Single parents might try to cope with this strain by either trying to compensate by adopting both mom and dad roles, or by scouring the social scene for a partner to help him or her in the rearing of the child. The pressure is definitely high.

However, if truth be told, none of the above will help. If anything, they might even cause you to become more stressed. And when you end up being more stressed than ever, chances are this will reflect and magnify on your child.

The Impact of a Single Parent’s Behavior on Children

If you are a single parent, ask yourself: How does your behavior and general outlook toward life affect your kid? Upon closer scrutiny, you might just find out that your child’s constant tantrums and bouts of unexplained anger might just be the result of your continuing negativity. It is for these reasons that you should be careful.

Several studies show that children coming from single-parent households are more susceptible to destructive or rebellious behavior, not just because society imposes the need for a two-parent structure, but also, more often than not, the custodial parent is either too guilty that he or she smothers his child, or too busy to make ends meet to show how much he or she cares.

The Link Between Single Parenthood and Crime Rates

According to one study, about 90% of the change in crime rates between 1973 and 1995 had been accounted for by children born into single-family setups and those that had been born outside of marriage.

While this is not entirely true for all cases that cover single-parent households, we cannot discount the fact that the majority of reports conducted in lieu of single parenthood and crime rates show that they are, indeed, linked.

Children born into two-parent, or ‘intact’ homes, are also susceptible to committing crime, so it would be impulsive to generalize that all kids under one-parent households are likely to become criminals.

Sure, two-parent settings place some sort of balance to a child’s psychological well-being. However, it should also not be discounted that kids who grew up under an unhappy but intact home are also prone to some form of destructive behavior.

How Single Parents Can Positively Influence Their Children

If you are a single parent, the best thing you can do to prevent this from happening is to be there for your child. You don’t really need to be available 24-7 and spend so much just to show him or her that you care. The mere fact that you make it clear, in the occasions that you can, that your child’s well-being is your utmost priority is enough.

Never forget to tell your child that you love him or her. Do away with discussing the negative, especially if it’s against the other parent, no matter how distressed you are with him or her.

If you are having trouble reaching out to your kid, particularly if you’re realizing this need just now and your child is already a teen, seek counseling. Or have a one-on-one talk with your child so that both of you will understand each other’s feelings openly. Honesty is key in a single-parent setting. If both parent and child are honest about what they think and feel, the less likely a rebellion would occur.

Overcoming Guilt as a Single Parent

While you do feel somehow guilty for being a single parent (you may sometimes even think it’s your fault that your kid is exhibiting rebellious behavior), you should immediately try to take it out of your system. Guilt will only magnify the ill effects on your child and might even push him or her further into ill behavior.(Children Of Single Parents And Crime Rates)

The Power of a Positive Attitude

Simply put, a positive attitude will do wonders. A happy household, whether in a two-parent or single-parent setting, is still a happy household. And this is all that is going to matter.

How to Deal With Anger as a Parent? Control your Anger, Don’t let it Control You

Control your Anger, Don't let it Control You Anger can be a paralyzing and debilitating condition. But it can be a terrifying and degrading experience for your child if you're taking your anger out on them. Physical and verbal abuse of a child can have lasting and lethal implications, so it's crucial that as a parent, you do whatever necessary to get your anger in check. As a parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to undo the wrongs that were done to you as a child if you had an angry and abusive parent or parents. It can be very curative and demonstrate you where your troubles lie are and inspire you to fix them. Perhaps your past is filled with unresolved hurt and anger. If so, take the necessary steps to heal yourself. If you don't, you could unwillingly and unthinkingly harm your child. Studies have shown that children whose mothers often express anger are more likely to be difficult to discipline. Identify problems from your past and honestly look at current situations that are angering you. Maybe you aren't fulfilled at work; perhaps your spouse and you are having relationship troubles, maybe you have other personal issues or unfulfilled goals that are bothering you. If all your child ever sees is your angry face and hears an angry voice, that's what they'll most likely grow into as well. It's important to 'pick your battles' when parenting. Accidents and nuisances don't warrant the energy and agony it takes to get angry. But misbehaviors such as a child hurting themselves, others or property demand a firm, quick and appropriate response from you. You will probably have to continually remind yourself that the small stuff isn't worth getting worked up over. And remind yourself also that you're the one in control of your anger; don't let your anger control you. Put yourself in time out, take a deep breath, walk away, do whatever you have to in order to get a grip on yourself before addressing the situation if you feel your anger coming on strong.

The Impact of Anger on Parenting

Anger can be a paralyzing and debilitating condition(How to Deal With Anger as a Parent). But it can be a terrifying and degrading experience for your child if you’re taking your anger out on them. Physical and verbal abuse of a child can have lasting and lethal implications, so it’s crucial that as a parent, you do whatever necessary to get your anger in check.

Breaking the Cycle of Anger from Childhood(How to Deal With Anger as a Parent)

As a parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to undo the wrongs that were done to you as a child if you had an angry and abusive parent or parents. It can be very curative and demonstrate you where your troubles lie are and inspire you to fix them. Perhaps your past is filled with unresolved hurt and anger. If so, take the necessary steps to heal yourself. If you don’t, you could unwillingly and unthinkingly harm your child. Studies have shown that children whose mothers often express anger are more likely to be difficult to discipline.

Identifying the Root Causes of Anger(How to Deal With Anger as a Parent)

Identify problems from your past and honestly look at current situations that are angering you. Maybe you aren’t fulfilled at work; perhaps your spouse and you are having relationship troubles, maybe you have other personal issues or unfulfilled goals that are bothering you. If all your child ever sees is your angry face and hears an angry voice, that’s what they’ll most likely grow into as well.

Pick Your Battles Wisely

It’s important to ‘pick your battles’ when parenting. Accidents and nuisances don’t warrant the energy and agony it takes to get angry. But misbehaviors such as a child hurting themselves, others or property demand a firm, quick and appropriate response from you. You will probably have to continually remind yourself that the small stuff isn’t worth getting worked up over.

Take Control of Your Anger

Remind yourself also that you’re the one in control of your anger; don’t let your anger control you. Put yourself in time out, take a deep breath, walk away, do whatever you have to in order to get a grip on yourself before addressing the situation if you feel your anger coming on strong.

Why modeling behavior is important for kids

Children learn to imitate at a very young age(Why modeling behavior is important for kids). It’s how they learn to behave, care for themselves, develop new skills, and communicate with others. From their earliest moments they watch you closely and pattern their own behavior and beliefs after yours. Your examples become permanent images, which will shape their attitudes and actions for the rest of their life.

The Importance of Responsibility and Consistency

It’s important to be responsible, consistent and loving with your child. This also holds true for the relationship you have with your spouse, your parents, and other family members and friends that are also a part of your child’s life. Own up to mistakes when you make them, and communicate open and honestly with all family members.

Taking Care of Yourself as a Parent(Why modeling behavior is important for kids)

It’s also important to take good care of yourself. When we’re focusing on what’s best for our child it’s easy to neglect our own needs. Your child and your family are counting on you physically and emotionally, so it’s imperative that you teach your child by example that taking care of yourself helps you to take care of them and the rest of your family. This shows your child that not only do you love them and the rest of the family, but you love yourself as well. This is an important step in teaching your child about self esteem(Why modeling behavior is important for kids). This may involve getting a sitter and treating yourself out to dinner and a movie, or doing another favorite activity on your own. This teaches your child that you are not only their parent, but your own person with your interests and needs, and also gives them a chance to show you how well they can do without you with them for a while.

Nurturing Your Relationship with Your Spouse(Why modeling behavior is important for kids)

It’s also important to nurture your relationship with your spouse. Let your child see you communicate in a positive and healthy manner with one another, and show love and affection for one another so your child can begin to learn early on what a healthy marriage should be like.

Leading by Example for Your Child’s Growth

You’ll soon see your child patterning many of his behaviors after your own. So make sure that what you say and do around your child will help build a strong sense of security and self-esteem.