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Are you a parent? If you have the privilege of being one, you already know that parenting offers a meaningful and exciting way to connect with your children. It is a deeply rewarding journey filled with the potential to teach your children valuable insights and improve their lives.
So what really determines whether a child will thrive? While some may believe it’s their grades or extracurricular success, the answer is different. The children that flourish are the ones who feel that truly matter for who they are, CNBC reports. Their worth isn’t tied to their achievements — it’s inherent. That is the secret to successful parenting, and it’s called a “mattering mindset.”
How to Practice a Mattering Mindset
One of the ways to instill the “you matter” belief is by actively praising your child. Give them affection regardless of performance and let them know how much they are valued regardless of circumstances. Celebrate them for the positive impact they have on the world, not just their accomplishments.
Make sure to also reinforce the message that their worth is not up for debate, whether they get cut from a sports team or don’t perform well on a test. They matter and are important just by being themselves.
Actions speak volumes too. Spend quality time with your child and get to know what makes them happy, what their strengths are, and their quirks. The more you get to know your child deeply, the more they feel seen. Feeling known and loved exactly for who they are can be transformative.
The Effect of Feeling Valued
The ripple effect of raising children that feel valued goes way beyond their emotional well-being. According to Good Housekeeping, the more a child feels valued, the more they want to make the world a better place. Adolescents who believe they matter are also more likely to feel happier, have greater self-compassion, and be more empathetic.
One of the best parts is that parenting with this mindset can start when children are really little. You can start off by giving young children tasks that can help the whole family and recognize them for their efforts.
Remember, you matter too. When parents nurture their own sense of value and take care of their well-being, it doesn’t just help them recharge; it uplifts the entire family. By embracing this mindset and knowing that who you are, not just what you do, matters most, both you and your children can thrive.
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