Ways to Boost Your Child's Strengths

Parents can play an important role in identifying and boosting the strengths and talents of children. Focusing on their strengths can help them have a better future. Follow these simple ways to boost your child’s strength.Every child is born with a special talent. As parents, you have to assure your child that you love her no matter what. You also need to find your child’s strengths and help her develop so that she shines. Your reassurance and love gives her the security and confidence that she is your priority. You are their primary influence in her expanding word.You are her model, so be aware that she is watching and observing you. Your actions matter much more to them than your words. Make sure that your behaviour teaches them how to be better person by showing love, controlling anger, teamwork, positivity, bravery, sensitivity, humour and communication. So how do you encourage your child? In this articleEncourage Safe ExplorationAppreciate Your Child’s TalentsSocial SupportDeal With their FearsSet LimitsHave Reasonable Expectations1. Encourage Safe ExplorationA young child loves to explore to learn new skills and to solve new problems. Exploring teaches them their actions have consequences. Teach them to explore through books, building blocks and other creative activities. Make sure that your child feel safe as your behaviour instils a sense of self-dependence and trust. As actions speak louder than words, be respectful, responsive, consistent and dependable for your children. Assure them that you are always with them.2. Appreciate Your Child’s TalentsTalents come in all shapes and sizes, so know your child well. Every child is special, and early recognition and honing of their gifts will help them excel in their respective fields in later life. Encourage your child to participate in various activities, which could spark in her an interest in something she will love. Recognise her talents and talk to her about them – whether they are visual, lingual, auditory, musical or sensory learners. This gives children the assurance that you notice them and that they are special.3. Social SupportYour child needs the support of her peers as well. Encourage her to play with her friends in the evenings which will give your child opportunities to learn and participate in teamwork. It also helps her practise important social, emotional and language skills. As children grow up, they learn to share, cooperate and negotiate with their friends, learn sensitivity and go on to develop close friendships. Empathy is very important in building social skills, which can help children recognise and appreciate the feelings of others. You can do this by encouraging her to do volunteer work, teaching the importance of sharing and helping with household chores.4. Deal With their FearsChildren can deal with a lot of scary subjects. Help your child fight these fears by answering questions and reassuring them that they are safe and protected. Teach them to be independent by facing their fears. At the appropriate age, let them brush their teeth and get dressed on their own. This helps them feel that they are capable to achieve anything they want to. Children who are not allowed to perform such tasks on their own feel that they are incapable.5. Set LimitsGood parenting is not just about freedom. A child needs to learn self-control and discipline. Set limits reassuring them that you only want the best for them. Your rules should be reasonable and the child should be able to understand them. Follow through any consequences that have been decided for not following rules. Teach your child the importance of responsibility, sensitivity and good habits. Avoid corporal punishment for bad behaviour, but teach her when and where she went wrong.6. Have Reasonable ExpectationsIt is natural for parents to want their child to follow their dreams. However, we must be realistic. Be mindful and supportive of your expectations, and do not constantly push them to do better. Do not praise your child too much but encourage her, without adding a value judgment. The child might feel pressurised to retain the appreciation of her parents.Therefore, it can be very simple to make or break a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Choose your words carefully and be mindful of your actions. Know what’s best for your child and reassure her of your love. Be loving yet firm about discipline, and your child will grow up to be a wonderful person.How to identify strengths of children? What are the ways to correct the weak points in children? How can evaluation of strengths and weaknesses in children help? Discuss here.