As a parent, you want the best for your children. You want them to be happy and healthy, and you want them to succeed in life. One of the most important things you can do to help your child grow stronger and wiser is to provide them with the resources they need to thrive. So, here are seven things they’ll need to grow up into the amazing person you know they can be:
1. Activity and Exercise
Studies suggest that exercise can improve mental health, including academic performance; however, it is still unclear how physical activity is related to different cognitive functions.
In other words, exercise will help your child grow stronger and more intelligent, but there is still a lot of research left to be done on the subject. So, make sure your child manages to find time for some physical activity every day.
2. A Good Night’s Sleep
Getting enough sleep is a critical step to take if you want your child to grow stronger and wiser. Studies have suggested that children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.
Having enough sleep can reduce stress, improve mood, boost memory function, enhance immune system response, and lower blood pressure levels. So, make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep every night.
3. Plenty of Time Outdoors
Spending time outside will provide your child with more Vitamin D, which plays a role in brain development. In addition, research shows that children with ADHD tend to be deficient in Vitamin D. Spending time outdoors will also encourage your child’s creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills.
This can also be the best way to encourage healthy exercise and playtime. However, if your kid gets injured while playing, try not to panic or lash out at them for not being careful. Instead, give them first-aid or bring them to the nearest urgent care center if you can’t treat it yourself. They will learn what to do and not do next time around.
4. A Healthy Diet
Children who eat diets high in saturated fats are more likely than their peers to experience behavior problems – such as hyperactivity and aggression – and cognitive dysfunction (problems with memory and learning skills). Remember, these are still children; their developing brains need healthy fats to grow strong and intelligent.
That’s why you have to ensure that your child eats a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This will also help them get plenty of essential nutrients, such as calcium and iron, for their developing bodies.
5. Physical Contact
You may be thinking, “What does physical contact have to do with growing stronger and smarter?” The truth is, your child needs to feel loved as much as they need good nutrition and exercise. While the benefits of physical touch don’t apply specifically to mental health, it’s still essential for your child to have a strong support system.
If you want them to grow up feeling confident and happy, be sure they never feel neglected or abandoned. So, if you feel like giving them a big hug right now, go for it. Showing affection is never a sign of weakness, so don’t be afraid to show your child how much you love them.
6. Relationship Skills
Studies have shown that emotionally stable children who have good relationship skills are more likely to function better in school. On the other hand, children with low self-esteem, poor social skills, and weak attachment skills are more likely to experience problems in school.
In other words, make sure your child learns the basics of healthy relationships from a young age. This could be achieved by fostering healthy relationships with family members and friends and encouraging them to think before they speak.
7. Imagination and Play
Having an imagination is not only good for creative thinking; it’s also beneficial when it comes to mental health. Children who are encouraged to use their imagination are more likely to develop social skills, learn new concepts faster, and be open-minded about everything they experience in life.
So, encourage your child to play and use their imagination; just don’t push it too hard, or you’ll risk turning them off from it. You might be surprised at how much playing pretend can help your child grow stronger and wiser.
Although parenthood is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, it’s also one of the most rewarding. You must raise your child into a responsible adult, which means being an attentive parent who is willing to make sacrifices for their child’s sake.
The truth is, no matter how hard you try to support them and give them advice, there will always be a time when they’ll need to make their own mistakes. But as long as you provide them with all the tools and knowledge they’ll need to be successful, they’ll grow stronger and brighter with each passing day.
