Every parent wants to do the best for their child. Although at some point they will fly the nest and no longer need your help, it is your job as a parent to prepare them for this the best you can. There are a variety of ways you can. Read on for a list of the biggest gifts you can give your little ones.  

Creativity  

We all know the stereotype of a helicopter parent but it is important to encourage your child to develop a variety of interests. Yes, this can mean signing them up and ferrying them between sports, dance and music classes. However, there are plenty of other ways that you can encourage creativity in your child for free. Make art together and proudly display it. Encourage storytelling and free-play toys, and take joy in movement and noise.

But the key thing to remember is that you need to listen to your child, give them respect and if they tell you they don’t want to do something, don’t take it as a personal affront but work together to find something they would prefer instead.   

Education   

It’s important to develop a love of learning. Encourage your child’s curiosity and keenness to ask questions as they discover the world around them in the early years. 

As they get older schooling and formal education become much more important. The best schools are ones that have fantastic resources and facilities to support your child’s interests and grow them in a variety of ways. Engaging classroom environments and inspiring teachers will reward the curiosity you have instilled in them from the start. 

Health and Wellbeing  

Establishing healthy habits in childhood can make these easier to continue later on. Encourage healthy lifestyle habits, such as healthy food and plenty of exercise. The best way to do this is lead by example and do it with them. Take walks together, play in the parks and try new foods together. For this, there are plenty of tips for fussy eaters out there.

As well as physical health, teach them to communicate about mental health as well. Many have talked about letting your child take mental health days and you should lead by example communicating to your child any struggles rather than letting it impact them unknown. 

Travel  

Exposing your child to a variety of different cultures, places and experiences is so important for their development. But it doesn’t have to mean expensive holidays far afield. Even getting the bus or a train to a new area you’ve not been to before can prompt a love for discovery and exploration.   

Confidence 

Building your child’s self-esteem is vitally important. It is something which children can really struggle with, especially in an online world. From an early age encouraging your child to have a sense of self and stick up for who they are, will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. 

And Most Importantly… 

These are just a few ways you can ensure your child gets the best start in life. However, the biggest gift you can give them is the feeling of being loved and cared for.   

Expensive hobbies, exotic foods, and extensive travel are no substitute for spending quality time together and building a safe and supportive relationship. If you remember this key message nothing can go wrong! 

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*This is a collaborative article