When you think back to your childhood what do you remember? Do you remember having a great time with your parents?
The special moments you spent with the family? How about the great vacations, time with the grandparents and all your friends?
We all make an effort of remembering all the good times we had as a child and share them with our children. But not all of us have good childhood memories.
There are some of us that have memories we would rather forget and believe they never happened. These memories of our childhood can hinder our progress in whatever we do. It can affect how we behave around others. We promise ourselves that when we have children, we will do everything in our powers to give them a happy childhood. Some will tell you that can’t be done; you can’t create a happy childhood for your children if you did not have one yourself.
Well, that is not true at all, you can help them have a happy childhood and in the process help yourself. The way to forget our sad childhood is to focus on the good things we did enjoy and let all the bad memories go away.
The arrival of a child to your life is a gift. The child should be cherished, loved and always kept safe. No matter how bad of a situation you have in your life, the child should never be blamed for it. Whatever has happened in your life, they did not do this to you.
Instead show them all the love you possibly can and let them know how important they are to you.
LOVE
One way to make sure they have a happy childhood is by giving them unconditional love. Letting them know how much you love them no matter what. Always encourage them in any interests they may have and let them know you value their opinion.
POSITIVE
Many believe that children don’t have any problems, that everything in their life is perfect. Well that is not the case. They have difficult times also and stress. Whenever they come to you with a situation or problem, no matter how negative it may seem, let them know there is a way out. Tell them that together you will be able to solve it and find a solution. By being optimistic and showing them a positive way of thinking, this will help them as adults to solve situations with a positive attitude.
KEEP THEM ACTIVE
Always encourage your child to exercise. Allow them to go outside with their friends and play. Get them off that couch and encourage healthy eating. The healthy eating habits start when they first begin to eat. Avoid sugary snacks and fatty foods. Whenever possible, join him outside, go biking, walking or swimming. A healthy child is also a happy child.
OPEN MINDEDNESS
Talk to your children about things that may not be taught in school or a bigger then them. Share with them your beliefs, faith and religion; give them a sense of spirituality. Tell them about God, nature, the stars. Go stargazing with them, do nature walks. When you teach them these things, they will have questions, be ready for them. Be honest, listen and let them share their opinions with you.
MAKE SPECIAL MEMORIES
When you think back to your childhood you might remember special memories created by your family. Do the same for your children. Whenever there is a holiday, birthday, special event, make it even more special for them. Do something that creates a special memory such as a special gift made by you. Set aside some special time that you dedicate to them and during this time you can probably read a special book together, make cookies, play games or even just watch a movie. These special times will always bring warm feelings of love to them and make them able to share more with others.
FRIENDS
Your child may have special friends when they are growing up. Always try to get to know them, let them come over, build a bond with them. Once in a while ask your child if they would like their friend to join in any special activities you may have. This will show them that you care not only about them but their interests and friends.
RULES
Set rules for your children that are fair and understandable. If they ever go outside of those boundaries, don’t yell and show them disappointment. Instead, sit down with them, talk to them clearly. Let them know there are consequences to breaking the rules but find out why they broke the rules. What this does it shows them that yes you are the parent but you are fair. This also shows them that they are responsible for their actions and will do better next time. By talking about the problem and doing it without yelling or arguing, well help them respect those boundaries more and prevent them from becoming rebellious.
These are only a few things that you can do to help create a happy childhood for them. As you do them, more and more ideas will come to you. Another good way is to give them space and independence. Shows them that you respect them as individuals and they won’t feel as prisoners. As they grow up all these things will help them develop into healthy, smart and strong individuals. It will give them the ability to be optimistic, focus on the good and be able to solve any problems that may come along.