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Most children will start noticing physical differences in others and start asking questions around the age of three. 

At that point, you can sit down with your child and start the conversation. 

Empathy:

It’s never too early to teach your child about empathy and fairness.

Encourage them to think about and try to understand what someone else might be thinking or feeling. It may take some time for them to fully grasp what empathy means, but practice makes perfect.

Practicing empathy can also help your child establish friendships and work well with others.

Educate:

There are so many excellent educational children’s books, movies, and shows out there. You can read books or watch programs with them. That way, you can easily answer any questions they may have and encourage conversation. 

Be There And Listen:

Children get curious and love to ask questions. However, as kids get older, it’s common for them to go to their friends before you. 

Establishing healthy and open communication at an early age will help them both now and later in life. Remind them that you are always there and there is no such thing as a stupid question. 

Of course, parents don’t know everything. So, if your child ever comes to you with a question you don’t know the answer to, don’t push it aside. Instead the two of you can figure it out together. 

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”  —Barack Obama

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You as a parent are your teen’s most important role model. 

Everything you say and do impacts them in one way or another. 

Of course, you want what’s best for your teen and there is no set in stone parenting handbook. However there are a handful of practices that can help both you and your teen thrive. Keep on reading to learn more. 

Independence: 

The next time something happens, instead of jumping in to save the day, encourage your teen to build their own toolbox.

None of us are born resilient. It takes time, patience, and practice. Every obstacle your teen faces will make them stronger. 

Keep in mind; you can still be there to listen, encourage, and support them – just try your best not to overstep. Every experience, both positive and negative, are learning opportunities. No matter how old we get, there is always more to learn. 

Mindful Pausing:

Mindful pausing isn’t always easy. Although it is powerful, it can also be uncomfortable. It’s normal for teens to put their feelings to the side by staying busy.

However, the sooner we reflect upon and acknowledge our feelings, the sooner we can understand them. 

Encourage your teen to hit the pause button and just be.

Every mindful pause helps remind us what matters most. 

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