Ensuring your child is happy and healthy is always at the forefront of your mind but past that, do you make a conscious effort to instil life lessons in them that will benefit them further down the line?
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This can seem like an ongoing battle for many parents, as ‘lessons’ aren’t always the most appealing to young children, but you can teach them in a natural way so that it doesn’t feel like you’re telling them off or making them do something they don’t want to do.
Here we will look at some of the most important life lessons you should try to teach your children when they’re young.
Teach them life lessons in finances
Teaching your kids about money is something that will stand them in good stead throughout their life. You want to make sure that they know how to live within their means, as well as the value of money. One of the best ways you can do this is by leading by example. Your children look up to you, so if you’re splashing the cash constantly, this is what they’ll believe to be right. Also, by giving them limited spending money weekly, they can start to understand how much certain items cost and what money is worth.
A great idea is also to set them up an investment account from an early age. This not only sets them up nicely in the future, if you add to it regularly, but it is something you can use to teach them about finances. Show them how their savings account or investments work. Highlight how much money they may have accumulated and go over the ins and outs of the process. If you’re wanting to find out more about ISAs for yourself, see the link here.
Their character
One of the most important ways you can influence your child is to try to encourage kindness, honesty, self-belief, curiosity, empathy and other positive attributes. For example, if you reward them for being generous with their siblings, or caring towards their friends, whether it is in person or online, this positive reinforcement will do wonders. Of course, a great deal of their character will already have developed at a very early age, but that doesn’t mean you can’t gently influence their behaviour with all the best intentions. However, don’t expect them to completely change into what you want. They’re still their own person.
Hard work brings rewards
If you teach your children that hard work pays off, then it can motivate them in regards to their studies and work life in the future. You can teach them this through praise when they do well on an exam, or even some sort of treat. Ensure that you help them to work hard towards their aims, as this is a great way for you to bond with each other and you can get to know what they’re good at and what might need more work.
When an opportunity to teach your kids a life lesson arises, take it! They’ll thank you for it when they’re older.
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