Parenting is a job that never really ends. Your children need you when they’re small and vulnerable, and they also need you throughout their years of transitioning into teenagers and adults. This could be because you’re typically the first person that they know, and children sometimes see parents as people with all of the answers. There are many events that happen throughout the course of our lives and your children aren’t exempt from such transitions. Being there for them as a parent and seeing them through, however, can go a long way in helping them stay on the right path. For this reason, you’ll find three instances where your kids may need you the most in this article.
Starting a New School
Irrespective of how old your child may be, starting a new school can be daunting. This is a time where your child may need you the most, so it’s important that you try and be there for them and ask how they’re feeling. Some ways that you can show love and support and help your child adjust to a new school include going with them on their first day, asking how their day was, encouraging extra-curricular activities, and finding out their likes and dislikes about their new school. You should also find ways to get them to voice any worries or concerns they have as they could be getting bullied or picked on and be too embarrassed to talk about it. Overall, you should try and make sure they’re happy and their emotional wellbeing is intact.
Going Through Puberty
If you have a child who is transitioning into a teenager, this can be overwhelming for both you, the parent, and for your child. It can be emotional to watch your little baby transition into becoming a teenager and knowing they’re becoming more independent. This can be a vulnerable time for them so paying attention to the signs that they may be going through puberty is key. For girls, some signs of puberty to look out for include bigger breasts, acne, sweating, periods and more hair on the arms and legs. Similarly, boys typically experience growth in underarm hair, their voice breaking, acne, more sweating, and a growth spurt. These things could make your child feel very self-conscious and, in some cases, even insecure. It is, therefore, important that you find time to discuss puberty before-hand so that they are prepared for these physical changes and are perhaps more open to express how this transition is making them feel.
Change in Family Structure
For different reasons, there are times when a child’s family structure changes. One of the primary reasons may be a because of divorce, separation, or even the death of a parent or sibling. Divorce statistics happen to show that 42% of marriages end in divorce. This could have a negative effect on your kids, so being there for them during this time is key. You should try your best to ensure that relationships end amicably. This is because fighting over finances and messy custody battles can make your children feel divided, sad and broken. In the case of death or a parent moving away, you should consider family counseling. Ensuring your child is okay mentally and emotionally is key.
As your children grow, they may not need you in the same ways they do when they’re young, however, it doesn’t mean they won’t need you at all. The love of a parent can be one of the most fulfilling types of love for a child, so most of the time, your love and support will mean the world to them. For this reason, you should try and pay attention to instances when your child might need you, even if they don’t know how to come out and say it.