Parenthrive hosted a successful Horizon Circle physical meetup on September 7th, Saturday, focusing on "The Art of Evaluation." The expert speaker, Shahela Banu Sabil, a renowned lecturer, counselor, and the founder of Create Build Learning Academy, guided parents through the intricacies of child development and the importance of effective evaluation.
The session received overwhelming positive feedback from parents who attended. Shahela Banu Sabil delved into the factors that can negatively impact a child's development. Contrary to popular belief, she emphasized that excessive love does not necessarily spoil a child. Instead, she highlighted specific behaviors that can contribute to spoiling a child, such as:
- Prioritizing gifts over attention: Children often crave quality time and interaction with their parents. Overindulging them with material possessions can overshadow the importance of emotional connection.
- Bribing instead of listening and explaining: Using bribes to control or manipulate behavior can hinder a child's ability to understand and learn from their actions.
- Rushing through parenting: Parents who are constantly in a hurry may miss valuable opportunities to connect with their children and address their needs effectively.
Shahela Banu Sabil also posed a thought-provoking question to the audience: "Does parenting require all your time?" This question sparked discussions about the importance of balancing work, personal life, and parenting responsibilities. The session provided valuable insights into the art of evaluation and equipped parents with practical strategies to nurture their child's emotional, physical, and social development.
Effective parenting plays a crucial role in fostering a child's overall well-being. Here are some strategies to nurture your child's emotional, physical, and social development:
Emotional Development
- Create a safe and loving environment: A secure and supportive home environment is essential for a child's emotional health.
- Encourage open communication: Foster open dialogue by actively listening to your child's thoughts and feelings.
- Validate emotions: Acknowledge and validate your child's emotions, even if they are negative.
- Teach healthy coping mechanisms: Help your child develop healthy ways to manage stress and express emotions.
- Set realistic expectations: Avoid setting unrealistic expectations that can lead to frustration and disappointment.
Physical Development
- Promote healthy eating habits: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Encourage regular physical activity: Participate in activities that your child enjoys, such as sports, dancing, or playing outdoors.
- Ensure adequate sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for physical and mental health.
- Provide regular check-ups: Schedule regular health check-ups to monitor your child's growth and development.
Social Development
- Encourage social interactions: Facilitate opportunities for your child to interact with peers and adults.
- Teach social skills: Help your child develop essential social skills, such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy.
- Set positive examples: Model appropriate social behavior for your child to observe.
- Respect boundaries: Teach your child to respect the boundaries of others and to communicate their own boundaries clearly.
By focusing on these areas, you can provide your child with the foundation they need to thrive emotionally, physically, and socially.
