As parents, we all want what's best for our children. We want them to be happy, healthy, successful, and free from danger. But we may not always know what it takes to make these things happen. Here's a list of conventional and not-so-conventional tactics that are proven to make your child stronger on the inside - where it counts most.
At first, some of these ideas may seem a bit more than unconventional. In fact, you might even think me to be in need of serious help in even suggesting them. But, let me ask you a question:
"If a parent is doing all the "right" things - the things that should affect their child in a positive way - and that child is still lacking in strong qualities like confidence and positive self-esteem...
...what do you do?"
By this point in your life, you've probably learned one of the most important lessons there is; and that is that: Things are not always what they seem. And often, you have to be able to see the "big picture" to be able to get the results you want. For example...
If I were to ask you if you would allow someone to thrust a piece of sharpened, cold steel into your child's body, you'd probably say "no." And, as well you should.
And yet, parents routinely take their children to medical clinics every day to have that precise thing done. Because, if they didn't, they run the risk of their child contracting some of the worst illnesses known to mankind.
Teaching The Lessons That Last a Lifetime
If you really want to help your child to develop an inner strength that will take them far in life - if you want to do everything you can to help them build the kind of rock-solid, inner strength that will allow them to live the life they choose, and to not be targeted as easy prey by the bullies, predators, and manipulators of the world, here's a few things you might want to be doing:
Oh, and by-the-way, these things also signal to a would-be bully or other attacker that your child just might be able to protect themselves.
Many parents counter with things like...
"I don't want to force him to do anything he doesn't want to do." To which I say...
"BULL!"
I bet these same parents "make" their child do at least a half-dozen things every day that, if left to his own preferences, he wouldn't do. Things like wiping after using the toilet, brushing his teeth, and a whole bunch more. In fact, using my analogy at the beginning about getting your child their shots...
Does it matter that your child doesn't like it? Does it matter that they cry?
Probably.
Did you do it anyway?
Of course.
Why? To be mean?
Absolutely not.
Because, as their parent who loves them, you were looking after their well-being - you were making decisions for them that they were not capable of making for themselves.
Our children are just that, children. Until a certain age (in their late teens), they will choose to do everything based solely on pain or pleasure. That is, unless they are guided. As adults, we know why some things are important that our children are clue less about.
Instead of giving in to laziness (theirs or ours), temper tantrums, or any of the other tactics they will try to get "their way," you'll feel a much deeper sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you had a hand in creating that strong, dependable, and confident leader that will be your child in the years to come. Sure beats the alternative of "hoping" that they turn out "okay." Doesn't it?
Jeffrey Miller is president and CEO of Warrior Concepts International, a self-protection and personal development training company that focuses on teaching children and adults time-tested and proven strategies for creating the life they've always dreamed of living and the skills necessary for protecting that life. His latest book, "10 Really Stupid Things Parents Do To Place Their Child In Danger - Without Even Knowing It!" is available here: www.warrior-concepts-online.com/children-safety-parent-10stupidthings-report.html
He is in demand as a guest speaker on the topics of developing strong kids through positive parenting and child-safety. He may be reached through his web site at: www.warrior-concepts-online.com
He may be reached for interviews and speaking inquiries in the US and Canada at (570) 988-2228.