
Feature/General
Five Things Every Child Needs Daily
By Katy O'Neal Arrowood, Owner/Director
of Champions
for Children Child Development Center
Holiday 2003
With the five fingers on just one of your hands, you can remind
yourself of the following five actions that will foster self confidence
in your child, as well as teach him/her to trust others. As the
old saying goes, “It is easier to build up a child than to
repair an adult.”
1: hugs
One of the best gifts you can share with your child is touch. Giving
your child daily hugs demonstrates your love in a caring way
that can’t be replaced. Affection toward your child helps
teach him/her that families nurture each other in a loving way.
2: open communication
A child needs to hear approving words often, but a child must also
feel that he/she is heard. Talking with, as well as listening
to your child will help to build a strong sense of self, as well
as encouraging your child to know the importance of listening
to others.
3: daily blessings
Telling your child with words that you know he/she will accomplish
great things is a gift worth giving! Enlighten your child that
you know he/she was created in a special way with unique talents
that will fit perfectly with his/her dreams. Words spoken will
help to mold your child into who he/she will be; better for the
words to be uplifting than to be disapproving. Remember to tell
your child daily those three little words: I love you!
4: respect
Treat your child like a valuable person, and he/she will treat
himself/herself and others with honor and respect. Setting limits,
being consistent with discipline, and insisting on good manners
will demonstrate to your child that you value him/her, and you
have a stake in making sure his/her life is honorable.
5: time
The debate over quality time versus quantity time is over. Yes,
the time spent with your child should be quality time, but you
also need to spend lots of time with your child. It is not secret
that we all are busy people, but our children must know that
we enjoy just being with them. Every activity doesn’t have
to be spectacular; even time together in the kitchen while one
is cooking and the other is working on homework puts you in the
same room. You may be surprised the time your child decides to
really talk to you, it probably won’t be during the quality
planned time, rather during just an everyday routine.
Katy O’Neal Arrowood is the owner of Champions
for Children Child Development Center; Katy and her husband,
Ben, have two children: Keith, age 12, and Molly Kate, age 6. Katy
has a BSFCS in Child and Family Development from UGA, and
has written
a book, A Woman's
Recipe For Life.
Other articles by Katy Arrowwood:
|