The long awaiting holiday will be over soon, the holiday have been full of excitement for some children. Sure it had it wonderful moments, as the day is getting closer, parents on the other hand are getting ready for their normal school run routine. With the excitement also come some worries as parents think about how their children will cope in a new school for those going into secondary or changing school, new classes, new teachers, homework, projects and social experiences of school. Children need proper guidance from parents/guardians in order to follow the right path of life Sense of dependence; parents should make their children understand that they must be dependent upon God not on their strength, teens with all the happening in most cases feel they can handle situation on their own at this stage. Children and teens must understand early on that into life sooner or later there will come situation so overpowering that only God can give solution. These problems might surface in form of finances, health, spouse, children, family, academics, and even work to name a few. Make them understand that if they want favor from God and man with a reputation for good judgment and common sense then they must put their trust in God only not in themselves. The best way for children to learn this goal of dependence is actually when they see their parents/guardian put into practice what the preach, as a matter of fact we must be good role model. Responsibility for action and consequences; the hallmark of good character is the acceptance of responsibility for one’s action. In life you reap what you sow and best things for parents /guardian to model for their children is responsible behavior. No excuses allowed ever! No child is going to go through life without their share of problems, mistakes, sins, blunders. Therefore the solution is not found in denial, rather in acceptance of responsibility for their action / behavior, though at the time of the action the lessons are hard and sometimes painful, however insisting on it with help to mold a young man or woman character. Recognize and embrace their potential – as parents it is very important to give children an awareness of their worth. Children / teenagers are full of potential and it is extremely vital that parents/guardians help them to realize that. An understanding of their potential and ability is only part of the job. They need to be thankfully and thought full and be willing to exert the necessary self-discipline to develop and grow their children their abilities and opportunities. Keeping assuring your children that they have potential that they can finish any task given once they set their mind to it. Tell them they have unique talent/gift just waiting to be uncovered and explore, they need to hear this from you because of the trust they have in you. Potential is not to be wasted or squandered, it is to be nurture and encourage. Tell them continuously that they can, why? Because they really can. Use their ability- encourage your children to try many things, to explore numerous options, to learn how to put in their best always. Hope- parents/guardian should always remind their children about the importance of hope, teaching them that winners do not quit, they carry on in spite of obstacles, because they strongly believe in themselves and what the future have in store for them. Hopelessness is demoralizing, empty, and lonely; it is the worst disease one can be inflicted with. It can take the most gifted child and make them frustrated, frightened and unproductive. The best chance for a productive and prosperous future is to give your children an understanding of hope. Goal oriented people are those who learn to live in hope because they are always moving toward an objective. Happiness – we all want our children to be happy, happiness however is not to be confused with absence of problem and struggles. As a matter of fact, encourage your children to discover what they like to and can do, then do it. In this process of discovery they will walk their way through many difficulties in life. Note that even when they identify what they like, they will still have to tackle problems and sacrifices. Teach them how to turn problems into opportunities.
