Top tips to help your child grow up into a well-rounded person

As a parent, you need to pay attention to your child’s personality development (PD) in the formative years of his life. Apart from his academic performance, this is one area where you need to devote a lot of time because the foundation of a child’s personality is built by parents. However, raising a well-rounded child is easier said than done. The key is to help her feel competent and confident. Here are some essential tips for you if you want to see your child standing out in the crowd.  

Inculcate social skills 
Various studies have shown that there is correlation between a child’s social skills and achievements as an adult. Well, talent, hard work and academic performances aren’t the only factors that drive success in the later years of life. A lot of it depends on how our peers perceive us. Hence, interpersonal skills are essential for your child. Sharing, listening to others patiently and conflict resolution are essential social skills that your child needs to imbibe.  

Learn to appreciate the right way 
“Oh, you are so intelligent!” How many times have you said this to your little one after she has done something noteworthy? Well, experts are of the opinion that this isn’t the right way to appreciate. According to psychologists, you should be praising your child’s hard-earned skill instead of her innate capacity. So, rather than focussing on her intelligence, an innate ability, appreciate the hard work or critical thinking that helped in her achievement. That is how she will realize that skill and efforts are the secrets to success, not just the abilities she is born with. This realisation, in turn, will help her believe that even if she doesn’t have a particular set of talents, she can pull off a tough situation with acquired skills and hard work. All these will boost her confidence and the ability to take up challenges, essential attributes of a strong personality.  

Allow your kids to make mistakes 
This is another essential skill that will go a long way in helping your child grow up into a well-rounded adult. Making mistakes, rectifying them and finding solutions to a problem on her own will lend two crucial attributes to her personality: Resourcefulness, resilience and critical thinking.  

Nurture special skills 
Every child is born with unique gifts and talents. Some kids have special attributes that may not reflect within the walls of a classroom. So, they shine after the school bell has rung. Identify these special skill sets and help your child nurture them. This is essential for the development of his personality. Allowing kids unstructured playtime will help you discover their hidden talents. 

Do not compare your child 
Pitting your child against his peers, neighbours or relatives can take a serious toll on his self-esteem and confidence. This common parenting mistake leads your child to believe that he isn’t good enough and he starts questioning his abilities too. Comparison may also provoke your child to imitate the ones you pit him against. All these are significant hindrances to the development of a balanced personality. If you want your child to improve something, discuss with him about the ways to do so, instead of comparing him. Also, do not be harsh with the failures. Help him learn from his mistakes and move on.