As a parent, you need to understand your child. Knowing what they want is essential to raise them up correctly. Children are different and require you to understand them and their needs. But as a parent, how can you find the time to understand your child while working to provide all basic needs? Getting to know your son or daughter can be quite challenging, but learning some pediatric psychology can help you in this task.
When you will have matured this knowledge, your sons will rarely feel detached from you anymore. All you need is to learn how to handle and listen to them. However, if you still face serious difficulties getting along with your child, then it’s better to contact a professional psychologists for assistance.
Definition of Child Psychology and its Benefit
Child psychology involves studying a kid’s mental, behavioral, and emotional growth from their birth till the adolescence period.
The person he or she will become in adulthood depends on their early social, emotional, and physical development. Furthermore, the early and middle childhood stages are vital in the child’s brain development.
So, as a parent, make sure you are always there for your kid.
Tips on How to Understand Pediatric Psychology
Don’t focus on the provision of comfort only: having a good time with your son or daughter is equally important. By spending some quality time together, they will become more open to talk to you about what they are going through. Additionally, you will know how to handle them in different situations.
Here are some tips to understand your kids even better.
Become Their Best Friend
Let your children see you as their best friend rather than just as a parent. But don’t forget to play the role of the parent in their life too. By becoming their best friend, they will feel more appreciated and wanted in the family. This will make easier for them to share their ideas with you or tell you what is troubling them.
Spend Quality Time With Them
Many parents focus too much on just working to provide for the family. But when it was the last time you spent some quality time talking or playing with your kids? If it was more than two months ago, you better do it now. As you spend time with your child doing house chores or going out for a walk, they become fond of you, thus feeling comfortable whenever you are present.
Heap Praises on Your Child
How many times did you praise your kid for successfully completing a task? Children tend to feel unique and confident when their parents appreciate what they do.
On the other hand, make sure you do not overpraise your child. This will make the kid feel entitled, making him or her grow arrogant. Don’t praise them after completing every task, but only when you recognize their improvement over time.
Listening and Paying Attention
During conversations between your child and you, make sure you give them time to talk while you listen. Also, make sure you’re giving them the full attention they deserve, rather than on other things like watching TV or looking at your phone.
When you give a child time to talk as you listen, they will believe you really want them to be successful. As for paying attention, it is important to maintain eye contact throughout the conversation. This will boost the child’s self-esteem as they will grow up believing their ideas can be listened to.
Respect is Key
It might take time before your son opens up to you, especially during puberty and adolescence. If you laugh at them after they opened up to you, they will feel demoralized and will never tell you whatever is going on in their lives ever more.
During a conversation with your kids about their fears and doubts, or when something bad occurred to them, it is vital to show respect and speak with them calmly and openly. Show empathy, and they will understand that this is the best way to talk to other people.
Give Explanations
As a parent, there are situations you don’t want your child to engage in. But if you don’t offer a substantial explanation on the reasons why you don’t want them to do something, they will simply think you are acting against their rightful wishes. Eventually, they will go behind your back and do what they were thinking no matter what.
When you think a child’s idea is not beneficial to their wellbeing, find some real-life examples or a good explanation to back up why you don’t want them to do a particular thing.
Put Yourself in their Shoes
What would you have done if you were a child in the same situation? You should ask yourself this question many times over, especially when you are doing a specific task together. Maybe you are gardening, and your son does something that shocks you. Don’t just shout at them. Try to think as if you were a kid: what would you have done? After that, find a way to show them how to do the task properly.
What Does Your Son Like and Not Like?
Your child’s likes and dislikes are things you should know at your fingertips. They might not seem important, but they go a long way in shaping a kid’s personality development. You should know how they like to be talked to, what they love doing at a particular time, and what they really loathe. This will give you an easy time approaching them in the most efficient way.
Don’t Be Too Curious
During the adolescence stage, most parents become a bit too curious about their children’s wellbeing. However, during this stage of their development, teens are extremely sensitive, and will probably feel invaded if you keep peeking into their lives. In general, you should avoid questioning your kid too frequently, as this makes them feel not trusted.
Conclusion
Proper child development is critical in determining who your son or daughter will be as an adult. As a parent, you need to play your part, and understanding some pediatric psychology can go a long way toward establishing a proper contact with them. Prioritize these tips, and you will have a good long-term relationship with your child.