How can we make the world a better place? According to one parenting specialist, the answer lies in how we treat our children
“We are our children’s model – how we treat the child is how the child will treat the world,” says Naima Laraki, a life and leadership co-active coach based in Abu Dhabi.
“Witnessing what is happening in the world demonstrates, at least partially, that many children didn't learn the language of the heart. The point is to shift from a traditional parenting style and practice parenting based on compassion, emotional intelligence and effective conflict resolution.”
Rather than allowing your fear of failing as a parent to dictate your parenting choices, consider these techniques:
- Integrate your personal history and envision your future parenting style: Your childhood experience is impacting your parenting, so become aware of any types of behaviour that may undermine your relationships
- Connect to your emotions and develop self-regulation: Research suggests that success in adulthood depends on how we learned emotional intelligence in childhood. It is crucial to teach the child to connect to and name emotions in order to self-regulate them
- Teach your child how to resolve internal and external conflicts and develop compassionate communication: Sometimes our needs conflict with those of our children, so it is essential that parents connect with mutual needs to co-create empowering solutions
Naima Laraki is a CPCC accredited coach – for more information, contact her at www.facebook.com/naima.laraki
Laura Fulton
