Knowing how to make children feel loved and accepted is probably one of the most important parents' responsibilities.
It is essential to let children feel loved and accepted because it affects their relationships with friends and even other family members.
Dr. Jennifer Lansford, an expert in parenting and child development, shared in an article published in Psychology Today some of the suggested steps on how to make children feel loved and accepted. Dr. Lansford is a research professor at Duke University.
Why is it important to know how to make children feel loved and accepted?
According to an expert, the reason behind this is that children who feel loved and accepted develop better relationships.
Dr. Lansford also mentioned that children who do not feel loved and accepted sometimes encounter social, behavioral, or emotional problems. These adjustments that they experience do not only happen during childhood but also until adulthood.
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There are different ways that parents use to express their love and acceptance. According to Dr. Lansford, these ways can vary depending on one's cultural group.
Here are some of the ways.
How to make children feel loved and accepted?
1. Show interest in the things that they like to do
One excellent way to make children feel loved and accepted is by letting them feel supported. This step does not mean you have to play along with them all the time. Sometimes, showing up during their games can already count.
Also, learning the names of their friends and what games they like to play is a great way.
2. Listen
Although experts have always suggested this step, it is something that parents that sometimes take for granted.
Ensuring that parents hear what their child has to say can be a massive step in making them feel that parents value the things they think about, sometimes.
3. Remember your promises
As parents, there are instances when we commit to something with our children or give them promises.
Dr. Lansfold says that it is essential that parents follow through with their promises.
When parents remember and do what they promised to do, children start to learn how to trust relationships.
4. Compliment your child
Parents love their children. However, even if they show this through actions, it would still be nice if they hear your good comments or compliments.
Parents can do this in front of their children or even in the presence of other people.
5. Allow kids to confide
When children start to confide, parents should now be judgemental and make the environment more comfortable for children to share their feelings or experiences.
This way, children will also feel support and likely start to disclose to their parents more frequently.
