I don't want my girls to have a low self-esteem, a bad body image, and poor social skills. I want them to be athletic, popular, and outgoing. Right now they are young 3 1/2 years and under. What things can I do to help them become well-adjusted and well-rounded? How do I encourage them to become the best they can without pushing them away or making them be something they aren't? What can I get them involved in now or in the future?
2006-10-02 09:42:56 · 11 answers · asked by mommyem 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Sorry, if I come across as selfish, but there is nothing wrong with pushing your kids to be active to avoid obesity. Especially when you know they will have the genes to become that way. I am not going to force my kids to do anything they don't want to.
2006-10-02 10:19:20 · update #1
I agree though that perhaps wanting popularity is not an important goal for them to have. And I do want well rounded children, and there is nothing wrong with them wanting to be artistic.
2006-10-02 10:22:11 · update #2
you get them outside to exercise. You let them be themselves,You tell them they are pretty, you listen to them even at this young age.you dont try to run their lives and you make sure they are well chaperoned. You meet their friends and have them over( so no surprises). You give them independence in what they wear and like with in reason.you be a young and fun loving mother not a old mother trying to be a kid. you see what activities they like and do not push them into something you would have liked to have done in your childhood.girlscouts and 4H are good to build character and self reliance. you keep firm not abusive control on them and do not spoil them rotten teach them to work and save toward things they want.
2006-10-02 09:53:08 · answer #1 · answered by marilee w 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I believe that we all want whats best for our children. I want my daughter to be well rounded have plenty of friends and high self esteem. When I was a child I had none of that. However I have learned over the years that if I want that for my daughter then I lead by example. DO NOT make them feel guilty for not being what you want them to be. After all they are their own person with their own personality. DO encourage and correct and teach them how to be the best person they can be and give praise where it is due. DON'T worry about the dishes, play with them for a while first. Tell them that one really good friend is better than 10 fair weather friends and love them and give them some sugar everyday.
2006-10-02 13:05:29 · answer #2 · answered by bubbles 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you are being selfish. Let your children become who they want to be. Putting pressure on them to be popular, athletic, and beautiful will only make them feel MORE insecure.
I agree that enrolling your children in things like dance and soccer are great for their social skills, but don't force them to do it if they dont't want to. Everyperson is diferent, i never had the desire to be the girl you described above. I played music instead of sports, was not the most popular girl though i had lots of friends. Your daughters will decide what they want with their life, nurture that and you will have a close relationship.
2006-10-02 10:04:49 · answer #3 · answered by chairkiss_silver 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They are sponges not clay. You cant mold them. You have to lead by example. You don't have to be popular to have high self esteem. Allow them to be the children that they are and just guide them in the right direction. Most of all LOVE them like there is no tomorrow.
2006-10-02 10:00:47 · answer #4 · answered by tinar92 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just nurture and love them and let them choose their courses. By nature they may choose to be outgoing or reserved, but allow them space to choose. Don't relive your childhood through them..........if allowed to grow and blossom in their own time, they will. Just provide the love and reassurance that you are on their side and in their corner. They will have rough spots from time to time, but don't coddle them......that may hinder their own resilience. Sometimes overprotection can be stifling and counterproductive. The fact that you care is what is most important to them........they feel important to you and this promotes a sense of worth, thereby bolstering their self-esteem. Know what I mean?
2006-10-02 10:25:00 · answer #5 · answered by hardbody3859 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Encourage them to play sports, baseball, or join a tumbling or dance class. Get them involved in something, but don't make them do it if they don't want to. Get in contact with someone who teaches a class such as dance, and see if your children can join in on a class to see if they like it. If you get them involved now, they will most likely be more out going in the future, and will want to join the school softball team, or do cheerleading. And support them in what they are doing. Don't point out what they did wrong, focus on what they did right! Good luck, I'm sure your girls will turn out fine.
2006-10-02 09:50:36 · answer #6 · answered by tnmomof2as 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How selfish. What if they don't want to be athletic? What if they are fine being less than popular? What if they would rather stay at home and be with their family then be out and about with friends?
You wanna give them a better childhood? Then let them be who they want to be.
2006-10-02 09:46:15 · answer #7 · answered by BeeFree 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
At this young age they can start many sports, soccer, ballet, gymnastics, swimming, this will give them a real confidence boost because they will or should feel confident about doing these things when they get older. Good Luck =)
2006-10-02 09:45:48 · answer #8 · answered by whattheheck 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The best thing you can do is just support them in their choices and let them be who they are going to grow up and be.
2006-10-02 09:47:40 · answer #9 · answered by Mrs_Rivera2U 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just make sure u let your girls get out and do things that is GOOD for them... and let them do some stuff u always wanted to do and didnt get to do
2006-10-02 10:33:01 · answer #10 · answered by lilmissthang025 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋