Advice for Parents: What Matters Most to Your Children

In our historical time, both parents of a family work outside the home and do not have time to dedicate to their children. When they have some time off they are usually tired and not in the mood to play or talk to their children.

So, they try to compensate them with toys, but their children need their company. What is most important to them is precisely the attention and affection of their parents.

In the future, they will not remember their toys, but the moments they lived with their parents.

That means you need to dedicate some time to your kids every day, even if it's just a little time. Try to do something with them, talk, walk, play, whatever they enjoy, even if it is exhausting for you.

Do not think that it is enough for them to have every comfort and that they lack nothing. Your presence is much more important to them than anything else.

The Importance of Your Presence for Your Children's Mental Health

If you don't spend time with your children daily, they will feel despised and resentful. This can cause psychological problems and anger. Later they will become rebellious teenagers and antagonize their parents in any way they can.

In fact, most people who have mental illness blame their parents for their mental state. Many even come to hate their parents when they become teenagers or adults.

Therefore, don't think that you can take care of your children only on weekends or when you have the time and inclination to do so.

You always need to participate in their lives and know everything that goes on with them.

They need answers to their questions. They need to feel that they are more important to you than your business, your friends, or anything else.

They need a chance to tell you what happened to them at school, talk about the fight they had with a friend, or tell you the success they had when the teacher called them to check if they learned the lesson she gave them and they gave the right explanations.

They need to show you that they learned to ride a bike, that they can make a paper airplane, or that they can jump higher than their peers.

What they want to tell you or show you may seem tiresome and insignificant to you, but for them your admiration is essential.

So, be sure to take at least a few minutes to listen to what your kids have to say and show you every day. Spend as much time as possible with them and be affectionate.

The Importance of Affection

Hugs and kisses are very important for your children's affective life.

People whose parents are cold have a lot of difficulties in their social relationships, especially when dating.

Be sure to show your kids that you love them. Show them that you need them to be happy just as they need you, not just when they are small and cute, but when they grow up and make a lot of mess and noise.

Don't complain about the mess, but try to use your sense of humor.

Never be aggressive. Try to explain what is right and wrong very patiently, without using violence. Prefer to spend time with explanations even when your children don't pay attention to what you tell them, without ever reprimanding them aggressively.

When they become adults they will always remember your patience with them when they were little and will be grateful that they had parents who didn't beat them. They will want to emulate your example and will also be patient with their children.

Your behavior with your children will define the way they will develop and the quality of life they will have.

Therefore, always remember your obligation to be an exemplary parent so that your children live happily not only while they are around you, but also later on, when they are independent.