Parenting expert and Studio 5 Contributor, Maggie Stevens says it’s more important than ever to make your home a safe haven for your kids.
Parents sometimes do not realize how important it is that their home be a place their kids want to be. Most, if not all of the problems our children face can be solved in the home. The culture we are a part of; that we are bringing our children up in, is a culture which hurts them. It does not teach them that they are good, worthy, valuable and important. This culture equates success, beauty and goodness only with external appearances and accomplishments. The effects on our children are showing up at earlier and earlier ages…eating disorders, addictive behaviors, etc
It is in our homes we can make the difference. It is impossible to change society, but it is possible to control how are children are affected by the world. Parents can do this in the home by creating a Safe Haven. Home is the place for nurturing and teaching. It is where parents have the power to prepare their children to feel good about themselves. If they leave home with confidence, they will be able to effectively handle whatever the world throws at them.
Components of the Safe Haven
Aura of peace and calm
No yelling
No criticizing
No demeaning
Positive Understanding/Caring Atmosphere
Place where ideas can be shared freely
*Children need to be allowed and encouraged to express their opinions without criticism
*Beliefs need to be discussed openly
*Parent need to be teachable. You can learn a lot from your child
Atmosphere of Love
*Unconditional love is always present
*Love needs to be expressed on a daily basis
*Parent attitude towards child exudes patience and understanding
Sounds wonderful, but impossible. It is possible. How do you do it? How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. You take this one step at a time.
Remember the parent is responsible for the atmosphere in the home.
Pick one thing on the list of Safe Haven components
Work on it for an hour, a day, a week.
When you have that under control, pick another item on the list.
If you blow it, go back to the first item and start over.
You will be amazed at the changes that can occur within your home, just by taking the first step.
The happiness in your family will keep you motivated to create a Safe Haven.
To ask questions, join a discussion board or schedule Maggie for a workshop, visit
www.parentfix.com
Parent Fix by Maggie Stevens is available at:
King’s English Book Shop
Frost’s Books
Deseret Book
www.amazon.com
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