Being parents involves a series of responsibilities, obligations and commitments. It is more than just a title that is limited to “the mother of …” or “the father of …”, because we are in charge of caring for and raising a human being who is totally dependent on us.
But in addition to the basic care and teachings that a child requires, I want to take advantage of the fact that today is Happiness Day to share what I consider is also one of the most important responsibilities of being parents: raising happy children .
We want you to never lack anything
As parents, it is natural for us to worry about giving our children everything they need for healthy growth and development , both physically and intellectually and emotionally. We work to give them the best life we can, looking for a way that they do not need anything.
We want them to have a childhood in which they have everything they need, from their food and personal care, to those things for leisure and learning, such as toys or entertainment.
And that’s okay, this is our basic and essential responsibility as parents: to make sure that our children have everything they need to grow and develop healthily, as well as to prepare for adult life.
But I have noticed that sometimes (not always), we are so focused on giving them the tools to succeed in life, that we give our children what we consider to be what they want and need , without stopping to think or make a simple question: is he happy?
Let’s not lose sight of what really matters
I understand, we want to make sure that our children are ready to face whatever is necessary tomorrow, and that is why we focus a lot on certain aspects , such as their academic or intellectual preparation.
But we must not allow being focused on that preparation to make us forget what really matters: that our children are whole and happy.
Because not all the toys in the world in childhood, nor the best job in the world in adulthood, will be enough if our children are not happy. And that’s why I think that one of the most important responsibilities we have as parents is that: raising happy children.
How to raise happy children
Now comes the big question: what can I do or how can I raise my child to be happy? The answer is simpler than we think: learning to listen to them . But really listen to them.
Being close to them, being present and paying attention to what they want to say and communicate to us, which they do not always do with words. Fostering a relationship where there is communication, care and affective demonstrations that provide security , but also giving them the space and the necessary tools to develop their autonomy.
Because if there is something that fills the heart of a father or a mother with love and joy, it is to see their children happy. So let’s make that happiness our goal .
Photo | iStock
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