Imagine if you did not watch your child from rolling over to crawling to scooting to walking. Do you think their process of movement would be the same if you were not available for support?

The way they would have gained their mobility skills would have been totally different.

• There might have been more bruises on the head from trying and falling down so many times.
• They might have actually crawled sooner.
• They might be less likely to cry so much when they didn’t get their way.

In today’s fast-paced world, families often lead busy and hectic lives. But we must make time to support our youth, our next generation.

It is essential to take notice of their lives, interests, and ambitions. Because if we neglect to pay attention, we could miss out on valuable moments that shape and impact our children’s future.

The question is, how do we balance this attention without becoming too overbearing?

“We train our children based on our reactions and responses to their actions.” ~ Kristianne Wargo

So, to say the least, we have a significant impact on our children’s lives. It is our responsibility to guide and nurture them to become the best version of themselves. Here are a few tips to help support your child’s development without becoming overbearing:

The K.I.S.S. ~ Guide and nuture your children!

And in order to do that you first must be present.

1. Be present in the moment. When spending time with your child, put aside distractions, such as mobile phones or work. Engage with them, listen to what they have to say, and be interested in their lives. It is crucial to establish a strong emotional connection. Also, presence is not just about when you are with them. Know who they are hanging out with, the activities they are doing on their phone, and what’s happening in their room when home. Don’t assume that “nothing” is happening. As a parent, you are always aware and alert.

2. Encourage independence. Letting our children take the lead in their lives helps them to develop independence, responsibility, and decision-making skills. But in order for them to do so, it requires them to earn your trust. Before you start saying “yes” to everything, be sure they are climbing the trust ladder. And then, as the develop and become older, allow them to choose their interests, hobbies, and passions. Keep in mind, through all these stages, attention to detail matters.

3. Create a balance. It is essential to maintain a healthy balance between engaging with our children’s lives and giving them space to grow independently. Overbearing or micromanaging behavior could lead to negative consequences such as stress or burnout. So as they continue to climb the trust ladder, then you can loosen the reigns over time. And if you need to tighten the reigns, then do so.

4. Celebrate their achievements. Show your children that you are proud of them and who they are becoming. Yes, you can celebrate their efforts, encourage them to continue with the things they enjoy, and challenge them to learn new skills. But success does not have to be met in order for a celebration to occur.

Attention to detail matters when it comes to supporting the next generation.

As parents, it is our responsibility to guide and nurture our children but not to act in an overbearing or controlling manner.

Be present in their every day regardless of the age or stage of development.

The goal here is to raise up children so they can go out and impact the world they touch in a positive and productive manner. Let’s show our children how valuable they are and support them in achieving their dreams.

PRAYER: May you pack your patience daily and keep your mom-dar (or dad-dar) always on alert. Keep your eyes on the prize. Your children are diamonds in the rough. Love them where they’re at.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“