8. Tap into your child's strengths.
Enjoy, celebrate, and expand on the things your child's good at. Whether it’s reading, sports, visiting others, volunteering, whatever—these can provide a sense of continuity, usefulness, and reassurance for a child.
Part of children’s hurt comes from feelings of personal inadequacy. Helping them remember and enjoy the many things they’re good at can make a huge difference.
Remember that children depend on their successes (and the confidence that comes from their successes) at least as much as adults do.
Show Extra Tip- Pick up a new sport or recreation to enjoy with your child.
- Fix up or decorate a part of your home together.
- Volunteer together.
- See some fireworks.
- Have sleepovers.
- Plant a garden.
Here are some examples of new traditions to create with your child:
“Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement—and we will make the goal.”
—Robert Collier
“We worry about what a child will be tomorrow, yet we forget he is someone today.”
—Stacie Tauscher