Every single parent out there worries. We worry about our children. We worry whether we are doing enough. We worry about giving them the best, and a whole lot more. There are five top worries that every parent faces, however, and we will tell you how to deal with them.
Not giving your children the best
As parents, we want to give our children the best possible education, upbringing, and opportunities. We want them to have everything we did not, and we worry that we might not be able to. Instead of worrying about it endlessly, take action. Focus on what is important, rather than on being able to buy every educational toy that comes on the market. Set up a college fund for your child. Spend time reading books together. Take your child on educational outings, and develop his or her mind. Be there for your child when there is homework to be done. By taking action, rather than just worrying, you can make a positive difference.
Stranger danger
It is every parent’s worst nightmare – his or her child being abducted. Make sure that you pay attention whenever your child is around. Be aware that the most common abusers of young children are not strangers, but people they know and trust. Develop safety strategies with your child, and educate him or her on what is appropriate behaviour, both sexually and otherwise. The good news is that for all the horrific cases that make the news, there are actually fewer cases of child abduction and abuse than you think. Stay vigilant, and you should be okay.
Accidents
The thought that your child will be injured, or killed, in a serious accident like a car accident is something that most parents do not even want to consider. It does happen though. The best advice here is to follow all the safety rules. If your child travels in the car, make sure it is in a car seat or a booster seat. If he or she rides a bicycle, make sure that your child is wearing a helmet. Childproof your home when your baby is little. Set a good example. You cannot expect your children to be safety conscious if you are not.
Bullying
The fear of your child being bullied, or socially outcast, is more common than you would think. The truth is, there is not much you can do to force other children to accept your child, but there is a lot you can do to help your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Never encourage or allow violence in your home (it has been shown that children from violent homes are more likely to bully their peers.) Teach your child to treat others kindly, and how to deal with bullies. Encourage your child, and make sure that he or she knows how special he or she is, and how much you love your child. Finally, make sure that you are approachable, so if your child is being bullied, he or she can tell you about it.
Weight problems
It is no secret that people (including children) in first world countries, are larger than they have ever been before. Obesity, and conditions like type 2 diabetes are on the rise, and you are right to be concerned. Encouraging a healthy diet, exercise, and a healthy attitude to food can make all the difference between your child being over weight, or developing an eating disorder. Stock your home with healthy foods, set a good example and do not make food a substitute for affection. Focus on health, rather than weight, and make it a family thing – not something that singles out one person or another.
