5 Ways to Empower your Kids

Empower your kids! There is a difference between giving your children empowerment, and giving them THE power, as I will explain.

Example: constantly telling your child that they are perfect is going to give them a sense of entitlement; telling your child each day how they can be successful is called empowerment.

Take a few minutes out of each day to remind your child just how amazing they are, and what they can do. “John you did an amazing job picking out your clothes today and getting ready so fast!” They are going to find new confidence in their lives by giving them these simple tools for their daily lives.

• Let your child make decisions even if you know it is not going to end positively- let them fail and take reasonable risks; they will learn from it!
• Help them learn patience- help them to realize that not EVERYTHING has immediate gratification (plant a garden)
• Don’t bail them out every time- let them make decisions to deal with the consequence whether they be positive or negative outcomes
• Lead by example- show respect, show that you care for yourself and others equally and passionately, have gratitude about your life, and be self-sufficient

Next time you are at the park encourage them to climb that ladder or jump from that new distance. It’s going to be scary as hell for you as their guardian, but so cool as their life mentor!

Empower your Kids by Unplugging!

In the technologically filled world that we live in, remind your children that the best things in life take time. Make sure to take time to unplug each day to connect with the natural world. Lie in the backyard at night, and start reading a long book together. Read one chapter per night to build some anticipation about what is going to happen next.

There are so many safe ways to let children fail and benefit from it. If they are doing something that they love, but you usually help them or do it for them, take the back seat next time. Offer encouragement and that is all. Let them dress themselves, or bake the pie, or paint their nails, or give the dog a bath. They will learn from their mistakes and do better next time. By fixing their own mistakes they will feel so much pride from doing it all on their own; which in turn will fill you with pride.

Lead by Example

The last tip of leading by example will transform your child’s outlook on life. You are their first and number one teacher. Take a step back and realize just how many things they do the same way that you do. Is it the positive version of you that is being reflected? If not, do something about it. Your children are still growing and changing each day. It is not too late to give them some empowering footsteps to follow in.

Feeling overwhelmed yet? Don’t. You’re going to screw up, and you’re going to do it in front of your little ones. The way you react to it is what they’re going to remember. So be you, and they will learn to be them. One day, they will thank you when they are in your shoes and raising some of their own minions.

Thanks for the read!

Ms. Brooke
Literacy Leader
Curriculum Instruction Coordinator
Rockin’ Pre-K Teacher