The importance of positive influences on our children are crucial. Children are always looking for role models. How we bring up our children and influence them leaves long term prints on our little ones and as it’s said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!
A positive sense of identity is important for the development of self esteem and confidence which should be built in the early years of a child’s life. Children discover new things every day, especially toddlers. They recognise how people look different, enjoy different things, speak uniquely and acts individually. Who influences a child is potentially who they’ll look up to so it’s very important positive attitudes are learnt from great examples. At Blossom Lodge this is something we fully believe in and is part of our ethos. So if you’re wondering, ‘why choose blossom lodge’? You’ll find some of the answers below.
No one is perfect and as parents we never think we’re doing enough. Here are a few tips if you feel you’re struggling:
Forming Relationships
How we form relationships is based on the process of emotional connections with others through trust and intimacy. Building positive relationships depends on your child’s ability to show their emotions appropriately and to understand those of others. Teaching our children how to vent acceptably is important. For example, scribbling an angry picture is a great way to illustrate negative emotions whilst running in the garden will help to rid pent up feelings. Key to a child’s journey is learning that we all feel and there’s always a way of coping with the negative.
From the minute your baby is born they are driven to connect with others. For example a new-born will gaze at their mothers face while feeding, recognising their mother as the consistent character in their lives. When distressed babies find comfort when mum scoops them up for a cuddle. This is how babies learn they are loved and start to build trust.
Try to give your little one new experiences and opportunities to play with other children (of course following the current government guidelines). Playing together is important in helping children learn the art of taking turns, sharing, settling conflict and most importantly feeling the joy friendship brings! This is also a great time for parents to connect with other adults!
Habits
Back to teaching an old dog new tricks; habits. Good habits don’t only improve our own wellbeing but also sets a good example to precious ones. For example, healthy eating. Nutrition and exercising regularly is key to emotional and physical health for both you and your child, so encouraging this from a young age, prevents children developing unhealthy ways of eating later in life.
Here at Blossom Lodge nutrition and healthy eating is EXTREMELY important to us. We have a garden where children enjoy growing fruit and vegetables all year round. Vegetables are then picked by children and presented to our wonderful chef Sergio. Everything chef cooks is nutritious and healthy and the children take pride in enjoying the fruits of their labour.
Volunteering
Making it a regular habit of contributing to your community with family. This is such a good way to display to the importance of helping others without receiving anything in return. Volunteering is also a great exercise for the family unit as a whole, building unity, generosity and teamwork skills.
Walk the Talk
A very important aspect to parenting is to always say what you mean and vice versa. Backing up your words with visible actions means children are more likely to build trust more easily. Forming solid, healthy relationships stands children in good stead for mirroring such behaviour in the future.
“Well done is better than well said.” -Benjamin Franklin
We’re certain you’re already doing a wonderful job raising your children. The above tips should help reinforce this notion whilst providing some extra hints to make family life even more fulfilling.
