Childhood is brief, and your most important job as a parent is to prepare them to be confident, self-sufficient adults. From the early childhood learning program you choose to the ways you handle mistakes and challenges, you have the opportunity to shape your child’s ability to move through the world with confidence.

Do:

Encourage persistence.

We all want to give up sometimes. When you help your child see the value of pursuing their goals with persistence, they experience the rewards that come with hard work and practice.  

Help them learn from their mistakes.

When your child makes a mistake, avoid criticism and encourage self-reflection on how not to make that error again. If the issue can be fixed, ask them to brainstorm possible solutions with you.

Choose an early childhood learning program.

A strong foundation begins with an early childhood learning program. Find a preschool option in your area that uses an evidence-based curriculum. A combination of academics, play, and social interactions are ideal.  

Don’t:

Solve all their problems.

It’s hard to let your child face challenges, but sometimes adversity is a learning experience. Whether it’s homework or a problem with a friend, talk through the issue and offer them the space to figure out the best way to solve it.

Criticize their performance.

If your kid is involved in a sport or extracurricular activity through school or an early childhood learning program, it can be tempting to “coach” them on their performance. Avoid criticizing that missed winning goal or the flawed piano performance, choosing instead to offer encouragement.

A Rising Star Children's Center in Cortlandt Manor, NY, offers early childhood learning programs for infants through school-age. Their award-winning curriculum encourages leadership, critical thinking, and creativity through experiential learning. The teachers at this licensed day care are dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing environment, and the owners have a combined 40 years of child care and teaching experience. Call (914) 788-4582 or schedule your tour online today.