What is parenting power? It’s the innate, usually invisible ability that some moms and dads have for encouraging their children to become responsible, intelligent, confident, and healthy adults. Fortunately, anyone can unleash it by doing relatively mundane things, like signing kids up for a self-defense class, performing community service projects as a family, cosigning on a college loan application, and encouraging open discussions with children of all ages. Consider the following ways that can help you maximize parenting power for the sake of your children.
Cosigning on a College Loan
One of the most powerful ways to help a child launch a career is to make sure they can borrow for school. Federal student loan programs are good but don’t cover the full cost of higher education in many cases. Many applicants reach the borrowing cap rather quickly. Right now, individuals are restricted to federal money in the amount of $5,500, which leaves many college-bound youngsters in the lurch. They need to locate other sources of funding.
It’s relatively common for borrowers to seek that additional money from a private lender. However, there’s a dilemma with that tactic because private institutions prefer to work with borrowers who have good credit and solid financial histories. Few young adults can meet those criteria. If your son or daughter can’t get funds from a private source, you can help them by agreeing to cosign on their application. Parents usually have the power to help kids pay for college expenses.
Self-Defense Classes
Kids benefit in multiple ways when they attend self-defense classes. Besides the major boost to their self-esteem and personal confidence, the training provides an excellent physical workout. Additionally, it’s a fun way for children to burn off some of that extra energy that is an integral part of growing up. There are community classes that come with nominal fees and private ones that cost more, but both are budget-friendly for families of all income levels.
Do Community Service Work as a Family
Adults who want to instill a sense of community responsibility in their kids can get off to a good start by signing up for a family-based project through a local social service agency. Options include litter cleanup, recycling projects, raising funds for needy families, and many more. Agencies that oversee community service operations are a good resource for uncovering a list of assignments that you and your children can do together. Some families continue to move from project to project through the years as their children grow up.
Delivering Thanksgiving Dinner to the Elderly
Model a Healthful Lifestyle
Young adults have an amazing ability to learn by watching. Sometimes, adults can repeat instructions and directives multiple times to no avail. But once a child sees the process in action, performed by you, the message gets across. That’s why the admonition, “do as I say, not as I do,” gets such poor results. When it comes to getting your kids to love exercise and living a healthful lifestyle, being a positive role model is the most effective way to teach. Take time to observe yourself to project a more positive influence on kids. Try to maintain healthy eating habits and get enough sleep every night.
Encourage Open & Frequent Discussions
Young people might not say so, but they appreciate the chance to speak with their fathers and mothers in an open and honest way when they need guidance. However, younger kids and teens are not so adept at initiating conversations; they just don’t have the social skills to launch into a talk about problems at school, conflicts with friends, uncertainty about dating, and dozens of other subjects.
Adults usually need to lead the way and let daughters and sons know that there are no forbidden topics or reasons to feel uneasy when chatting with mom and dad about whatever’s bothering them. Besides holding “weekly talk about anything sessions” be clear with youngsters about your open door policy for discussions. It can be helpful to conduct family meetings that serve as group talks and hold one-on-one sessions that offer more privacy.
p.s. Related posts:
Top 10 Life Skills Kids Need Before College
Teens in College: 4 Lifeskills to Teach Them
Committing to a College: Cost Comparison Chart
The Top 7 Things for You to Teach Your Senior to Prep for College
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