Liza Rivas

I work with children everyday.  I listen  to their stories, their need to belong, to be accepted.  How de we make sure we are doing our part?  How de we help them?  Our children are different, are born in different scenarios, in different moments of our lives, but there are things we may do to help. 

How do I help him?  Is the constant question a parent asks in case their child is undergoing through lack of independence, is too influential or needs constant approval.

To all those parents who are starting out, keep in mind the following simple actions that make a life-long difference.  It is important you know that the everday details will result in life changing outcomes.

Motivate your child to ask for that napkin he or she needs, to get the milk she wants.  Simple decision making at an early age teaches us that we can do it, that we have specific likes or dislikes.

Give your child the opportunity to verbalize his or her interests. You may give them the options, but you give them choices.  Simple choices make a difference. 

If you want to visualize what I am saying, lets go back to how we learned to ride a bike, tie our shoes, organize our room.  It took time, practice, interest.  If we do not give opportunities to choose and to decide, we are not practicing a simple task that is so useful later on.

To be determined, to be aware, to understand and to feel capable helps our children to confront situations in all stages of their lives.  To say no to that child that tells you to throw the paper, to say no to that stranger that asks you to come along, to say no to that friend that offers a smoke, to say no to all types of pressure. 

A high self-esteem is a powerful weapon our children may use.