There is no universal guideline for raising children, regardless of the age of a child. Every child truly is unique, requires deep understanding and individualized approach. Nevertheless, there are some common patterns of behavior every physically, mentally and emotionally healthy child should follow in a period of a certain age. So, if you’re a mother of a relatively young child or children, here’s a preview of some patterns you should follow in raising and some guidelines you can use to improve your relationship with your young child.

All children love to…

Learn and would be the universal, simple answer. Not all the children express these needs and interests in the same manner, but they are always there. Avoid a common mistake of imposing learning as a disciplined routine and duty; you will narrow child’s view and generate antipathy towards studying. Take advantage of the common situations to explain, teach, inform and trigger kid’s interest in a certain topic. Another common mistake to avoid is to neglect the importance of playing. Playing is not a waste of time, not even when the child grows up a bit. Stimulate you kid to play, to be creative and to explore, but make sure he stays safe and follows the priorities in the schedule.

Lack of limitations spoils

Methods of disciplining your child are a topic in psychological discussions about modern parenthood. One thing’s for sure – lack of directions, limits, and rules is not unconditional love, but the surest way to spoil your kid and deprive him of a basic feeling of responsibility. At the same time, using physical punishment to impose discipline to your child suggests you have failed as an authority and a friend at some point. The best is somewhere in the middle. Talk straight, open and be clear about conditions and rules. Explain the issue and the consequences. Make it logical and simple, and the child will follow. Don’t yell, don’t threat, but keep the authority in your voice and be consistent.

Routine, rituals and responsibility

It’s not just healthy and productive, but also good for boosting your child’s independence. Set regular waking up time and bed time, the routine schedule for meals, playing, house duties and involve your child into responsible tasks with full trust into their skills and capability. Kids thrive on success after being assigned to conduct some responsible duty.

Show your interest for their inner world

In an honest attempt to provide all the material aspects of cozy life to their children, many parents neglect emotional support and interest into feelings, thoughts, impressions and experiences of their child. It particularly goes for mothers. Try to avoid this common mistake. Talk to your child, get to know what occupies his mind, what worries him, amuses him, what’s the current emotional state and what struggles he’s coping with.

Watch the language

It’s not an issue to say that children often push our limits, especially in the relationship with mothers that impose a lot more not so pleasant duties to them. If you are already stressed and losing your nerves, try to watch the self-control and the way you express your thoughts and feelings. These moments of affective reaction pass in our lives, but often leave scars in kid’s memory. Find a way to be strict, but not offensive.