How to help Children Reach their Full Potential - A Mother’s Point of View

Mandeville, Manchester

Every true parent wishes for their children the very best in this life; they even go the extra mile to ensure needs are met and the journey towards achievement is smooth. While some parents baffle at the seemingly dreaded task, Kesrine Robinson says there are basic steps to aid in the process.

The mother of two explains that there is no one way of being the best parent you can possibly be. However, each decision must be guided by some basic principles.

"Be involved in your child's life - it is hard work, but you need to rearrange your priorities and make sacrifices. It is also important that you promote intellectual curiosity and motivate a desire to achieve."

HEALTHYCONVERSATIONS

With some children facing varying challenges and an uncertainty as to what they need to do, Robinson says "learn the way they learn".

"Keep pace with your child's development and promote healthy conversation; learn their language so you will be able to steer and transform their thoughts. Be consistent. Treat them with respect. By doing that you are training them in how to command respect. Challenge them, share with them, reward them and encourage good social behaviour."

There is much truth to parents spoiling their children and disguising it as providing their off springs with that which they were not able to have as children, but when does it become too much?

"There is no such thing as showing too much love. That is nonsense. Humans are incapable of loving perfectly, so how can they show too much love? However, there is a misunderstanding between replacing love with material stuff, that is relative to what the family can afford. What might be too much or expensive for you might not necessarily be so for another family, but one needs to be mature and responsible and give age appropriate gifts and take into consideration how responsible the child is."

Robinson also made mention of parents being overbearing and not trusting their children to make even the simplest of decisions.

MOSTREWARDINGASPECT

"I believe it's watching the children grow and develop and find ways to enjoy and own their own opinions of what is good and what is bad, right or wrong, and using guidance to determine that. That is the most rewarding aspect of parenthood for me - guiding them and then watching them apply themselves."

She ended: "My aspirations for my children are to maintain harmony and balance in whatever they do, and that they will do everything to the best of their ability, aiming always to soar to greater heights. Growing up I learnt how to share and not to be selfish, and how to give and appreciate what is being given, and always remembering to say thank you with a smile, I want my children to always remember how important this is."

familyandreligion@glenerjm.com