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What Kids Need the MostThe majority of parents want to raise happy and healthy children who have it better than what they did when they were kids. This is normal and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, many people associate with the accumulation of “things” with happiness. Therefore, they do whatever they can to provide their children with everything their little hearts desire. And, in extreme situations, sometimes parents go broke doing this.
It may be a surprise to you, but giving children everything they want is not going ensure that you have happy children. In fact, this type of parenting often produces unsatisfied children who are selfish and have a sense of entitlement. This is not something they out grown either. So, what do kids need the most?
1. Structure – Studies have shown that some of the happiest and most-content children are those that come from a stable, structured home. When children know what they can expect at home, they are happy because they feel secure.
2. Discipline – Children also need to be disciplined when they misbehave or do something they shouldn’t. The method of discipline is up to you, but discipline is necessary. Believe it or not, studies have also shown that children know they are loved when their parents discipline them, because it shows their parents care enough about them to correct them when they are wrong.
3. Experience Failure – Children also need to know what it’s like to experience failure. As parents, the last thing we want to see our children do is fail, but only through failure can our kids experience the happiness that comes from working hard to achieve their goals. In addition, children also need to hear “no” too.
4. Unconditional Love – Many parents don’t like to discipline their children because they’re afraid their children will feel unloved. However, when you discipline your children in a loving way, your children learn that they are loved unconditionally. Unconditional love shows kids that even though they may mess up and disappoint you occasionally, you still love and accept them for who they are.
5. Food, Clothing and Shelter – Obviously, children need food, clothing and shelter in addition to the things listed above. Does this mean that they need to eat steaks every night or wear fancy dresses or name-brand clothing and live in a million dollar home? No. As long as your kids have a roof over their heads, eat nutritious meals and have clean clothing – their basic needs are met.
When children grow up in a home that provides all of the items listed above, they will grow up to be happy and content with their lives. They’ll also appreciate their parents for everything that they did for them when they were growing up and will be better prepared to pass the same experiences and love on to their children.
This doesn’t mean you can’t give your children nice things occasionally – like a new Easter dress, prom dress, suit, pair of shoes or take them out to dinner. I just want to stress to you that these things are not going to give your kids’ long-lasting happiness.
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