- by School Admin
14 Ways to Support Your Child’s Holistic Development
The more traditional approaches to raising children are becoming increasingly obsolete. Parents are now seeing the benefits of parenting methods that nurture and recognize the whole child. Are you considering abandoning more methods of parenting in favor of supporting your child’s holistic development? If so, then this post is for you.
The following information will provide you with several ways you can support the holistic development of your child. You can also use this as a guide for self-reflection and improvement.
Be present
Always keep in mind that your child needs your presence more than anything else. Your time spent together isn’t about the number of hours or minutes. All that matters is that you are both physically and emotionally there for each other and establishing a real connection.
Discover a hobby you both enjoy
One of the simplest ways to improve your relationship with your child is by finding a common interest. It doesn’t have to be an expensive or extravagant hobby. Any activity will do that you both enjoy together.
Read!
Reading is a great way to enhance a child’s imagination. It also helps children learn more about the outside world, which is a benefit in its own right.
Play with your child
Playing together can provide so many benefits, including exercise, entertainment, and bonding with your child. This activity also helps enrich your child’s creativity, motor skills, communication, and much more!
Discipline with love
Disciplining with love is one of the most effective aspects of raising children who are secure and well-adjusted. Be firm when you need to, while also maintaining a loving approach at all times. Make sure that every action you carry out with your child is done with love.
Allow for free play
It’s important for children to enjoy a bit of freedom to explore and be creative. So, don’t restrict their activities excessively, since this can sometimes result in feelings of frustration for your little one. Be open to any activity your child seems interested in while encouraging healthy risk-taking behavior and keeping safety in mind.
Allow for unstructured time
Don’t be too overbearing when it comes to your child’s schedule. Allowing for unstructured playtime is beneficial, as it gives children the chance to “own” their time while cultivating self-directed behavior and a sense of autonomy.
Encourage collaboration
Encourage your child to interact and work together with peers, even if they’re from different backgrounds or cultures. Be a positive role model for your children by showing them how to accept and embrace other people’s differences.
Take your child outside every day
Spending time outside allows kids to develop their motor skills and coordination. But more than that, it also helps them experience nature, which is something they need and truly deserves.
Recognize and acknowledge your child’s feelings
Your child’s feelings are just as important as yours are, so do not brush them aside or belittle them in any way. Always make an effort and take time to truly understand how your child feels. Also, demonstrate ways to help your child manage emotions in a healthy way. This helps children grow up to be emotionally mature individuals.
Embrace their dreams
Allow children’s imagination and creativity the freedom they need so that they can pursue their dreams when the time comes. By encouraging your child’s dreams and acting as a support system, you’re setting the stage for future success.
Know when to step back
Children will grow up and forge their own paths in life. As such, give them the space they need to accomplish what they set out to do independently without feeling restricted by your presence.
Teach children how to care for themselves
It can be difficult when our children get a little older, and they no longer need us in the ways they used to. But there will come a time when they must learn how to care for themselves in order to live on their own and become independent.
Help your child learn how to pay attention
It’s important for children to learn how to focus and pay attention when necessary. Otherwise, they will face tremendous difficulties in school and at home. For example, they may find it hard to remember and follow instructions.
At Snapdragon Preschool, we offer a variety of activities that help support children’s holistic development. Call us today for more information!
