Keys to Understanding Your Child

Parents are often amazed at the different personalities of their children. The most important role parents have is to celebrate their child's uniqueness and become effective in nurturing them so that they are able to realise their full potential. A child's character will change as they grow, but their personality traits will stay with them.

Parents can see their children developing. What are their consistent traits? What do they like doing? Are they adjusting to the changes going on around them? Observe your child as they eat, sleep and play, and be aware of the subtle ways in which they are unique.

Communicating with your child is the key to understanding. Young children communicate through facial expressions and body language, and parents can respond in like manner. When a child is two or three years old they are able to understand when you talk to them. At three and four years old, they are still developing language skills, and are also able to let you know how they feel. It is important at this stage that you ask children questions that help them explore their inner feelings and the world around them. It is amazing how children can express themselves, often making up a new word to get their message acrosss.

Allow children to express their feelings by asking open ended questions. This will allow them to share their feelings to you. Ask what they liked best about school today, or, describe what they painted, or, how did they feel when they read their book right through for the first time.

When your child is young, they will have only a few influences around them. Parent will be the main influence, there may also be siblings at home. Grandparents also provide a significant influence. But when a child starts school, there are other influences. The child's teacher will make a big impact on their lives. They will also make new friends. Sometimes you will see a change in behaviour as they adjust to their new world.

If your child starts to show aggressive behaviour in class or with other children, look around for possible explanations. It could be the new environment, or maybe that they are responding to another child's aggressive behaviour in like manner. If the problem is in their environment, you will be there to guide them through and be their anchor. Are there any tensions at home? Remember that your own actions as a parent leave a deep impression on your child. As a parent be aware of how your child sees the world around them.

Every new parent wonders how they will manage. Is there already experience around you? Your own parents may be there to offer practical support when you need it. Friends who may have slightly older children can reassure you when things seem to be going wrong. You can also learn by reading books and checking all that information online. You could attend a class on how to be a better parent. A family mentor can help you to use your strengths to help draw out the potential in your children.

Parenting seems to be getting more difficult. There are many pressures in today's world. There are careers to pursue and challenges to face. But being a parent has the greatest potential to experience pleasure and fulfillment. Being a good parent requires dedication and being prepared to spend quality time with your children. Understanding your child is the key to successful parenting.