Looking to the Future A Strategy for Parents

No one knows what the future holds but it doesn't stop them from worrying about it. Normally, parents like to plan it out. They make plans for themselves as well as for their children. They work out an outline of what they want their lives to look like in ten years! Some people go to the extent of signing up for insurance schemes, invest in stock markets and take up small shares.  They like to be prepared for what live has to throw at them.

Parents Want the Best for their Children

Every parent wants the best for their children. They want to see their children getting good grades, graduating and getting a good job. They want them to buy houses, get married and have children. It is all part of the lifecycle.  These happen but once, children get busy with in the children the most, they are not there. Their sacrifices and strategies are overlooked. Children should make it a point and take up the responsibility of looking after their parents. As they were looked after when they were young, parents need love and care when they grow old. This is also part of the lifecycle, give and take. A family should be bonded or knitted together. They should look after each other's backs.

 Strong Relationship

If parents want a lasting relationship with their children, then they should set some firm guidelines. They should give whatever their children need and help them with studies and school projects. Parents should:

• Have fun with the children
• Make discipline an important part of day to day life
• Set rules and guidelines
• Correct the children when they are wrong
• Help set a timetable
• Not be too strict
• Help the children get up in the morning for school
• Not embarrass the child
• Create a loving and caring environment
• Not instil fear in children
• Not use harsh words
• Praise the children often
• Help in getting the homework done
• Go on family vacations
• Help the child reach their goals
• Good communication
• Spend quality time with children
• Listen to children's problems and give solutions
• Be a role model

Healthy Communication

There should be free flow of conversations between parents and children. Apart from words, children should be free to scowl and smile. They should express themselves without the fear of being apprehended. Parents should respect the needs and wants of their children and vice-versa. They should respect each other's feelings. Parents should listen to what their children want to say. And then they should respond accordingly. They should take their children to task if they are over-expressive. Parents can advise and guide their children. They can mould them in a better way to make them good individuals and citizens. When children reach their teenage years, communication should remain the same. In fact, parents should give more ear to them and listen to their problems. There shouldn't be any shouting or yelling as it makes the situation bad.

Parents should advice and urge their children to be active, take part in school sports and clubs. They should tell children that spending too much time in front of the television and computer is not good for health. Parents can walk their children to school. Talk to the teachers to see how they are doing academically and make a plan to help them get better grades. Parents should play an active role in their children's lives. They should take time out for one-on-one talks, to see whether they are having problems in school or with their friends, see whether they are being bullied. Parents can try to make them understand and feel secure. Parents should never turn their child down by saying that they don't have time to talk or that they are busy. By doing so, they are closing down the child and creating a barrier. There should be a partnership between parents and children.

These partnerships can be strengthened through family outings, takeaways or going out for dinners. Moreover, parents can volunteer in school activities and clubs. For example, if the school has a drama club, the parents can sign up to get the children dressed up for the main event; or the fathers can be part of the boy scouts group and go along camping or trekking on the hills. Parents should be optimistic about their children's future plans. They should give positive ideas. This motivates the children. They in turn work harder and try to achieve their goals and dreams.