Our Children - Four Big Truths and Accomplishments While Growing Up

Four biggies to take care about from the beginning: Eating, Physical activities, Internet and Words

In the era of atmosphere changes, toxic food, increased ecologic reasoning and omnipresent Internet, we are aware that most future jobs, to be offered to our children, will certainly demand a certain, if not vast, knowledge of PC skills and World Wide Web. We find ourselves in a gap, knowing how much time we ourselves have to spend in front of this screen. To what extent should we allow our youngsters sit in front of the screen and what should we push? The answers will differ individually, of course. However, the question remains - do we have that kind of freedom to leave our kids freely on the net or in front of TV for hours, without having in our minds their physical health? That luxury is one, we truly cannot afford. However, several other habits, we can teach our kids, will surely help avoid problems in future.

Being a parent does not mean - give in whenever you can because "it is easier". Giving in is the easier way, resulting in greater problems in future.

1) Eating: The kids often try to avoid the food we try to prepare in a healthy manner - this usually means the famous problem of kids and their veggies. Many parents are simply frustrated by the fact their kids practically live on fries and hot-dogs, simply refusing anything, which is really healthy. Of course, no one got sick of a hamburger from time to time, as long as it is all moderate. But, the food and eating is the place where a strong attitude must be applied, without negotiation. From the earliest age, a kid should be taught to eat what is served, no "ifs" and no "buts". Their usual argument "but, I do not like carrots" simply must not get to you. Carrots are merely an example, since many kids will try to avoid everything, that actually needs "effort and time" while eating and - simply chewing. Children literally live fast and they do not have time to waste on eating proper food - make them. The eating habits a child adopts by the age of two or three years is basically what a child is going to behave in the matters of food. Better try and do your best, without any possible discrepancy in attitude - both mom and dad must be consistent at all times in achieving their child eating healthy. It is one of the most important foundations to their future healthy life.

2) Physical activities: If your child does not show special inclination towards any kind of physical activity - be the role model. Your kid is, after all, the biggest responsibility you will ever have in your life and - someone will say it is awkward - your greatest investment. Work out simple exercises with your kid from the early age. It will not hurt either of you - quite the opposite. Stimulate your child to play outside. Be the one to show various ball plays, simple dancing steps, rope - the choice is yours, as long as your child does not sit all the time, screaming for "Cartoon Network". Naturally, "Cartoon Network" has its place, but physical activity has to be a constant part of the growth. Try your kid in various sports - wherever there are groups for training even the smallest ones - see for yourself if your kid fits in or simply stands aside, without interest. By the time your children start to go to school, they should know the basics. If nothing, they will not be labeled "clumsy" - and we all know how kids can be cruel in their truth. Do not allow them avoid sports and physical activities. Even children with e.g. health issues such as asthma and allergies, are advised to try Marshal Arts, skiing, swimming or similar. It can only do them good, along with the stronger socialization and healthy, competitive attitude, which a child can get through sports.

3) Computer: By the age of two or three years, most children are already introduced to the PC, whether it is an educational game for learning letters or simply jogging already fresh memory. Certainly, nothing is wrong with that, if under control and providing the games, a kid plays, truly help. However, attention must be paid regarding the time span a kid spends in front of the screen. Of course, it has its pros and cons, but basically - it can do your kid good, providing you take care what your kid plays with on PC or online and - providing your kid plays outside, as well. Basic stuff, such as keyboard, work in MS office and similar, get to the child's brain incredibly fast. Those fast-learning sponges simply learn through play. Let them. But make them play outside more than they do in front of the computer - make them socialize. Some kids are social by themselves, while others are quite introvert, which might later turn to be a problem. A big thing for every parent should be a child, who likes books. Never forget - a book is a world, which develops your child's imagination and makes it a complete person. Once a book lover - always a book lover. Even when grown up, they will prefer a book over the letters from the screen. And the truth is - it is possible with very little effort.

4) Words (come so easy...and make lots of damage): Of course, you do not invest your time, words and efforts into your child to get something back. You do it to get a reward of bringing up a healthy young person, with a reasonable understanding of life and environment. Children are small, their age in incomparable and people often tend to make the hugest of mistakes in saying or thinking - "oh, it's only a kid, it does not understand". Kids understand everything. It is only that they are too young to express their (mis)understanding; however, they do not forget, but interpret what they see and hear in their own heads, sometimes in the wrong way - and that is the age factor. We have to be careful of what we say in front of our kids, because we do not want them live in a confusion of misinterpreted facts, which are too complicated for them to understand, but easy for them to store in their fresh brains. Parents must be consistent in their decisions, without leading themselves into situation where the child will always have a negative support in one of the parents. Consistency from the earliest days is truly important and brings many positive results. Leave your disputes for the late hours, when your children are sleeping. You do not want them listen your "funky" minutes - although we all need our valve, we must pay attention when, where and with whom we let our pressure out.

Long time ago, psychologists said that children can survive all, which might fall upon them, if they are surrounded with enough love and if they are not confused. Do not take that umbrella from above their heads until it is time. When the moment comes, you will eventually have to move your umbrella and let the young ones find their own ways. You will either enjoy the young person you gave birth to and brought up, or bang your head against the wall because your child is - still attached to your skirt, maladjusted. The time comes, when we have to let go. We better prepare both our kids and ourselves for that moment.

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