Always a difficult task, parenting doesn’t come with a clear guide for meeting the needs of both the child and parent. But parents have the right, really an obligation to provide a safe and caring environment for their children. Loving a child properly requires a consistent approach to educating, encouraging and leading a child to accurately develop a view of themselves and how to positively interact with the world around them. Recent research has focused upon two elements that greatly factor into the development of a child’s view of themselves and how they should relate with those around them.

The first is ‘Connectedness’. The term indicates that a feeling is present in the child’s sense of whether or not they matter to a family but possibly to a community, an organization or school. Their presence is valued and they in turn recognize that their conduct has an impact on others in the home. Constructive intervention increases connectedness through a blending of discipline and encouragement. For parents, this is an ongoing and sometimes exasperating task.

Secondly, youngsters need to learn ‘Resiliency’, how to bounce back when difficulty or disappointment may arise in our lives. When parents take the time to show children how to improve their abilities it reinforces the idea of connectedness as well as instruct them to become better people. Accomplishment that follows struggle will be appreciated more fully than reward for just showing up. Children learn the skills needed to thrive beyond they’re time with you, but your investment of time, affection and teaching them about their capabilities will benefit both parties for a lifetime.

Thirdly, parents must sometimes suffer through bouts of discouragement and questioning their efforts. But, parenting is a long term endeavor. Patience and consistency can win the day and help you establish relationships that will benefit the family for years to come.