Space
A cceptance
G uidance
Open-
channel
L aughter
Space
In order to grow, our children need a safe space where they can learn and play, where they can make mistakes fearlessly and where they can practice the different skills they learn each day.
It is within our power (and responsibility) to create that space and allows them to make mistakes and try new skills.
Acceptance
Accepting our children means to acknowledge their experience and viewpoint, and even more importantly, to accept and validate their unique personality. We need to be able to differentiate between our children's emotions, needs, dreams and difficulties and ours. Then, they can develop an authentic self and a strong self-worth. If we love them as they are, they would be able to accept themselves and others.
Guidance
Children need us to guide and help them make some sense of this overwhelming world we live in. Having a clear set of values and behavioural outline, together with a strong positive model, will help them develop an inner compass which guides them in our absence. This inner compass will help them to better direct their way toward their personal goals as well as handle peer pressure and temptations.
o pen-
channel
Open-channel refers to how easy it is for our children to turn to us every time they need to. How confident they feel to openly discuss their beliefs, thoughts, and opinions with us, share their problems with us and express their true feelings. There are many ways to create an open-channel with our children, the main ones are to listen to them, respect their opinion and to some extent share your thoughts and ideas with them.
Laughter
The positive impact of laughter on our mental and physical health is well known. Laughter releases physical and emotional tension, elevates mood and enhances cognitive functioning. We can also utilise the power of laughter to improve our relationship with our children, as shared laughter can strengthen human connection.
It is as simple as it sounds, just laugh together.