Todd Bear, the lead investigator at Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health even stated “What we’re finding is the causes of cardiovascular disease and serious mental illness are not only the things that we know like smoking and traumatic events but the risks start in early childhood during sensitive periods of development and they play themselves out over the life course or life span”.
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Now, all children are different and need to be raised differently in order for them to have a truly amazing, uplifting and inspiring time before they leave the nest. Here are a three key lessons parents shared that they learned raising an emotionally healthy child:
1. Always be supportive.
Everyone have dreams and aspirations that they want to achieve! The worst thing to do to a child is make him/her feel like their dreams cannot be achieved when the truth of the matter is that anything is possible. Whatever they’re interested in, let them explore it! It may turn out being their dream career or it may not. The experience is great for them.
2. Display Guidance (not just authority).
All children are very curious, naïve, and can make rash decisions, which leads them to peril without the proper knowledge and wisdom. As the guardian of your child, you will need to have them respect your word, for what you tell them is only from your experience and for their benefit. If they don’t take what you say serious enough, they will simply disobey you and do what they want.
3. Pass the torch.
Now that your authority is present and your guidance has been felt, you can pass on your knowledge to your child and he/she will listen. Remember to promote wisdom as well. Children develop their own thought processes when you help them learn and develop from their experiences. Even as a child, they should still be treated like young adults to a certain degree.
Kali Johnson is a digital artist, blogger, teacher, videographer and photographer who has a passion for sharing sacred knowledge and valuable resources for those who may not have had the opportunity to receive them. He is also the Chief Content Manager of the Cycle of Peace; the non-profit organization that is combating the violence in Chicago. Check out his portfolio at: https://kaliworks.wordpress.com