Nurture A Good Relationship with Your Child
The title of the very first chapter in Michelle Farias' book, 25 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL - Lessons from a School Counselor, says it all. It is the foundation of her work as presented in her book as well as on her website: www.ParentOnPurpose.com.
These days, Michelle and her husband Tom provide educational services on their website and through tele-seminars as well as other products aimed at helping families to reach their potential.
Returning to Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with your child. Seems uncomplicated, but it's easier said than done. Michelle stresses several of the most fundamental concepts, and reminds readers of the critical role we play in our children's lives, the development of who they are and will become as adults, and the children's eventual success not only in school but in life. And she approaches this from the fascinating vantage point of an experienced school counselor, who has observed and worked with children in one of their main settings - school.
Ms. Farias begins by reaffirming for readers that as Mom and/or Dad, we are the most powerful influence in our child's life. This is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly, and it's important that we recognize that it does take a lot of time and energy - as it should. For many of us in today's world, with the hectic pace, demanding jobs, commuting, and countless activities, just finding time is a huge responsibility, but it is absolutely critical. Kids see the world through our eyes, at least for a while, and therefore we have the opportunity to help them experience a world in which they learn how to trust and feel good about themselves and others.
Michelle also stresses the importance of instilling trust in your children at a young age. By being there for them both physically and emotionally, being consistent in our own behavior, by being on call when they might need safety, and by giving them positive feedback, they learn to trust that others around them can be depended upon when needed.
We are our children's introduction to the world, so by instilling confidence in them, by being in healthy relationships with them, we give them the skills and confidence to reach out to others and be in other healthy relationships.
Lacking that foundation of trust, children learn quickly that the world is an unsafe place, they don't value the support of people such as teachers who could support them in attaining their goals, and they have more difficulty in forming friendships and intimate relationships as they grow up.
Visit BlendedFamilyExperts.com to learn more about Michelle Farias
About the Author: Yvonne Kelly, MSW, RSW, writes regularly for www.Blended-Families.com. Sign up for their free step family advice newsletter. WEBMASTERS: Use of this article requires a link to remain intact.
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