Parenting is not only about providing comfort and food to your child.
Parenting means being there for your child in their time of need, helping him grow emotionally as well as physically and, giving them a sense of security and warmth, but to be a good parent you need to understand how their mind works.
These are some psychology tips for understanding your child better.
- Observation
The easiest and most effective way to know about your child is via observation. Show interest in your child’s life, what he is doing or talking about, what he likes to eat, when does he sleep, what does he like playing with are all related to observation.
Every child is unique and different in his/her own way and as they grow their personality starts to shine out so to keep their self-esteem strong avoid comparing your child with other kids.
Remember to not judge your child as this will make him feel inferior and ask general questions to know more about his personality such as:
- What does he love to eat?
- What is his favorite subject?
- How many friends he has?
- Spend Time With Your Kid
Everybody has a busy schedule but don’t let your work get in the way of your personal life as kids tend to feel neglected very easily.
To understand your child, you need to spend time with them, remember communication is the key.
Spending time with them on the dinner table or the car ride is not enough, spend some quality time with them playing board games, reading bedtime stories, dancing, etc.
Conversing with your kids will give you an insight into their lives and problems, and you will know things such as what excites them and what they don’t like.
You can even watch a movie and silently observe them as quality time does not always mean talking and having fun.
- You Attention Means A lot To Your Kid
Every child craves attention from their parents; even a toddler cries when he is not being held by you or given enough attention.
When you take time out to spend with your child, turn off your cell phone and any other thing that might come in between you and your child, which includes cooking, driving and even checking your emails.
This will make your child feel less of a priority thus feeling neglected, and he will slowly slip in his shell, keeping his feelings to himself, or he will burst out and do bad stuff to gain your attention.
- Child’s Surroundings Matter
Keep in mind that the environment your child hangs out in will play a part in shaping his personality. The surrounding at home must be secure and nice so that he can count on his family in times of need.
Also, parents should know the people their kid hangs out with and how they interact with surroundings and friends play an important role in the development of cognitive skills and language.
If you notice a sudden change in your child’s behavior immediately find out about who he/she is hanging out with and what has influenced him to react in a certain way.
Remember to take time out to create a good ambiance at home.
- Listen To What Your Child Has To Say
Listening to your kid can make him feel eager to express himself, and it will be easier for him to confide in you.
Try to initiate a conversation and show no criticism as criticizing what he is saying might shut him down as quickly as he opened up.
Put your focus on their tone, expressions, and posture. Try to gauge their emotions out and keep your tone soft and sweet, taking them seriously.
Respond to what they are saying so that they know you understand them.
- Let Them Express In Their Own Way
No two children are alike; some children express via talking others express themselves through art, and writing or acting so do not restrict their imagination.
If your kid likes to write a diary, do not object to it, do not pry through it instead appreciate what they are doing.
Let them express what they are feeling without judging them.
- Know About Child Phycology
It is very important to know and educate yourself about child development and phycology as this gives you an upper hand in understanding them easier.
Buy books, read blogs or speak to a child specialist to know what to expect and how to deal with it.
Do not make wild guesses and jump to conclusions quickly, be patient with your child and understanding.
- Know About Childhood Mental Disorders
There are a few disorders common in kids, educate yourself about them and know how to deal them before they get out of hand. Some common disorders include:
- Depression
This may cause your child to throw tantrums and immediate mood swings
- Eating disorder
- Learning disability
This can make learning for your child hard with poor memory and coordination.
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Your child may show characteristics such as hyperactivity and impulsiveness. They might act excited and aggressive as well.
- Anxiety
- Disruptive Behavior
You child may isolate himself or bully other kids.
Thank you