Parenting is hard. The worst part is that you are constantly aiming at a moving target because, as your kids age, their needs will change rapidly. That’s a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean that you stop trying. Instead, you try to meet them where they are and be the best parent possible for your child. And sometimes we turn to experts to figure out tough spots, which is why The Cisco Center offers insights on how to adjust your parenting strategies to provide your children with the best care possible.
Toddlers
Kids in this stage undergo physical and emotional development at a rapid pace, making constant supervision important.
- Invest time toward child-proofing your home, especially high-risk areas such as doors, staircases, and outdoor areas.
- From the age of one, start potty training your child as this will serve as one of the first milestones they can achieve as reported by Kids Health.
- Temper tantrums are a commonality at this stage, however, they often stem from stress or distress, hence be patient, provide comfort and avoid scolding.
Pre-Schoolers
Today.com explains that you should expect your child to become increasingly curious about the world around them. This can involve asking constant questions, wanting to venture outdoors often, and expanding their friend circle.
- Cater to their appetite for activity by enrolling them in sports, or making regular visits to the playground.
- When it comes to discipline, be consistent with your expectations and enforcement regarding their behavior.
- Be in close contact with their pediatrician and visit them for timely check-ups and vaccinations.
- If you think that your child might have sensory or learning disabilities, or if they are disabled, consider enrolling them in a program at The Cisco Center. They work with children with special needs to help them grow into the people they are meant to be, and to support you in helping your child.
School-Aged Kids
During this stage, your child will start developing a sense of independence with regard to handling basic self-care needs. But, as a parent, you’ll play a crucial role in the following aspects:
- Helping them develop a sense of responsibility through assigning chores and providing allowances.
- Improving their self-confidence through supporting them in their endeavors, and celebrating their achievements.
- Teaching them good social skills such as being respectful, having patience, learning to apologize, etc.
Teenagers
While teens are expected to start spending more time with their social circle, you’ll still play a major part in their personality development and decision-making.
- While your opinions may start to be at odds more than ever, try to have constructive discussions rather than arguments.
- Help them set personal and career goals which involve pursuing degrees from a reputed university, creating a financial independence roadmap, and more. If they are technologically inclined, introduce them to coding and scrum. If they’re interested, show them how to choose an advanced certified scrum master course once they graduate.
- Have open conversations regarding topics such as sex and drug use, where you provide them guidance on how to overcome peer pressure and come to you for support if needed.
- Remember to set aside time for your teenager. If you have a busy work schedule, be sure to carve out an hour or two devoted to them and their needs.
It’s normal to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, because you’ll only parent this child once. Give yourself some grace, and equip yourself with some great tools along the way. Having this guide by your side will allow you to stay on top of your child’s needs from childhood to adulthood.
