The list of what to do to raise good humans is incredibly long, especially depending on where you will read said list. But the truth is that there is no manual for parenting, there is no road map, and there is certainly not a definitive list of every single thing to do and not to do. Wouldn’t that be nice, though, if there was?
As a parent, it is your role to help your children grow into adults that are positive members of society and people that are tolerant, successful, and inclusive; the list of attributes could go on and on.
Really though, the main thing to always do is your best. If your intentions are always rooted in doing right by your children, you are doing it right. Below are some extra ways to help set your child up to become their most successful adult self beyond the implied and common ways.
Financially Enable Them to Go to College
If your child has dreams of earning a college degree, this is something they can certainly do completely independently from you, and many students go that route. However, if you want to be able to be a part of the dream right alongside them, consider if you are able to contribute financially to their college education. With Earnest parent loans for college you can choose from some of the lowest rates, most flexible terms, and ideal repayment options.
Keep in mind that although these loans can certainly cover the full expense of their degree, the amount of the loan will be up to you. Think about borrowing a set amount to help your child with a portion of their degree and then guiding them towards the options that are available for them to cover the rest.
Low-rate private parent loans are a great way to do something a little extra for your kids to assist them with making a major dream become a reality.
Show Them the World
If you can afford the opportunity to travel with your kids at any frequency, it will certainly be worth it. Not only do these trips create core memories for you and your entire family, but they can also teach very specific life skills and provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences that your child will be able to take with them on their adulthood journey. Depending on your circumstances you may have to save money for travel, and that’s quite common. It is important to know that while giving your child a global experience via a vacation is remarkable, there is much to be gained from staying closer to home as well.
You can consider simulating travel within the four walls of your home if it is simply out of reach to physically go somewhere. There are books, apps, television programs, and online platforms all geared towards learning about other parts of the world. Dedicate one night a month to learning as a family about a foreign land. A tradition like this will nurture your child’s desire to expand their viewpoints beyond what they physically know based on their hometown geography.
Expose Them to Philanthropy
As a parent if you have the chance to teach your son or daughter gratitude through philanthropy you should take it. Help them to understand that not everyone holds the same position in life and there are boys and girls just like them who may live a completely different life simply based on the circumstances they were born into. Depending on the age of your children, there are so many ways to go about this.
One common way that parents of young kids teach philanthropy is by getting them involved in the donation of toys and clothes. As they outgrow these things have them pack them up alongside you and create an open dialogue about how they will be given to other kids just like them so that they can have the chance to enjoy these material goods that perhaps they wouldn’t otherwise be able to have.
As your kids become adults of their own you can discuss with them how to identify their own passions within the sector of charitable causes. For animal lovers there are endless opportunities to volunteer at animal shelters and for those who are passionate about breaking the cycle of abuse and violence, there are tons of victim services companies around that would love to have your son or daughter donate their time.
Give Them Space to Become Their Own People
As a parent, stepping aside is definitely one of the harder parts of the job. It seems impossible to understand how you were once the person that made every single decision for them but down the road also have to be the person stepping away and removing yourself from their decisions. However, do the work to be able to manage this because giving your child space to explore themselves and become their own person is the best gift you can give.
As your kids grow up, answer their questions. You will always have to decide how and what you tell them based on their ages, but you should never overprotect their ability to learn to the point that when they go out in to the world on their own, they are blindsided by the reality of being an adult in society.
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