by Precious Alex-Toji | May 29, 2022 | Family & Parenting
One of the children’s favorite activities is watching TV. With thousands of TV programs airing today, it is important to pick educational TV shows for kids that will educate and influence them, positively.
As a child, I remember wanting to rush home from school because my favorite cartoon aired at 3. If my parents were a tad bit late, I’d throw a tantrum.
Today, it is no different. In fact, I could say it is worse. I can’t remember trying to swing webs like spiderman.
Just last week, I saw a video of a child expertly climbing two walls and I began to question my childhood. I could tell he was raised by Nigerian parents.
As a parent, you’d not want to deprive your child of this free-time activity. However, you can ensure that they watch educational TV shows for kids that help them enjoy learning.
Just to give you a feeling of nostalgia, do you remember Sesame Street? Did your face just light up in a smile?
Well, to put a smile on your kids’ faces too, here are some educational TV shows for kids.
1. Wild Kratts
Wild Kratts is a live-action/animated series that teaches children about our environment, animals, and the ecosystem. It was created by the Kratt brothers, hence the name.
Each episode starts with details on a particular animal, explaining its features and what it can do. Sometimes, the Kratt brothers go into the field to see these animals live in their habitat.
Wild Kratts is to kids as Nat Geo Wild is to adults.
It is aired on PBS kids and has 6 seasons with 152 episodes.
It has an IMDb rating of 7.8/10.
2. Odd Squad
Odd Squad is a live educational TV show for kids that is centered around using mathematics to solve problems.
Each episode features a child (who is employed by the Odd Squad) who solves strange things happening in their town using basic math and reasoning.
It is aired on Discovery Kids and has 3 seasons with 103 episodes.
It has an IMDb rating of 7.2/10
3. Sesame Streets
“Lalala lalala, It’s Elmo’s world”
“Lalal lalala, it’s Elmo’s world”
I grew up waiting for Saturday morning because of Sesame Streets. The streets would never forget this gem.
Sesame Street is an animated children’s series that teaches children about culture, human behavior, and humor.
To make it relatable, the producers make use of puppets, and children in teaching lessons.
Fun fact- Sesame Street was first produced in 1969 and it is produced around children’s curriculum!
It currently airs on HBO Max and has 52 seasons with 4,591 episodes.
It has an IMDb rating of 8.2/10.
4. The Who Was? Show
The Who Was? show is based on the ‘Who was?’ books published by Penguin books. It is a series of non-fiction books that gives insight into historical people of the past.
The TV adaptation, the ‘Who Was?’ show is a sketch comedy series that teaches children a bit of history.
The main character, Ron, enters into conversation with teenagers mixed with an illustration of historical events.
It is aired on Netflix and has one season with 13 episodes. It has an IMDb rating of 6.8/10.
5. Kids Say the Darndest Things
Based on the American reality TV show, Kids Say the Darndest Things is a children’s program that allows kids to express themselves on social issues and life in general.
It was one of my favorite children’s shows growing up. You get to hear the perspective of children on different questions. It is unscripted and natural.
Most times, the replies of these kids can surprise you and leave you like “What! Lok at how smart they are”.
6. Turtle Taido
“Can you tell where the Zuma rock is in Nigeria?”
“Abuja, yaaay!”. I still hear these words in my head to date.
Adventures of Turtle Taido is an educational TV show for kids that is produced and created by Muyiwa Kayode.
It is a Nigerian-themed animation that takes kids through the adventures of a lively turtle called Taido. The show exposes kids to the different cultures in Nigeria and their history.
It also shows children how to make friends and live peacefully with one another.
It currently airs on the NTA network and Silverbird TV.
7. Ask the StoryBots
If you’ve been around little ones, you’d agree with me they ask a lot of questions.
“Uncle Alex, why are my teeth white?” Sometimes it can get tiring, which is why I love this animation.
Ask the StoryBots is an animated child show that gives answers to children’s darndest questions. The StoryBots are as curious as children and try to get answers to their curiosity and replay them to the kids.
It currently airs on Netflix for 3 seasons and 22 episodes. It has an IMDb rating of 8.4/10.
8. Blue’s Clues and You
Blue’s clues and You ranks among one of my favorite educational TV shows for kids. I started watching it as an early teenager and it was awesome.
It is a live-action/animated children’s series that features Blue, who lives in an animated world using clues to find answers to problems.
It currently airs on Nickelodeon for 3 seasons and 49 episodes. Also, it has an IMDb rating of 6.5/10.
9. Brainchild
If your child is expressing love for science, this TV show is highly recommended.
Brainchild is an educational TV show where scientific experiments are conducted to answer questions on different topics such as gravity, and emotions.
It is produced by Pharrell Williams and is available on Netflix. It has an IMDb rating of 8.1/10.
10. Peg + Cat
Peg + Cat is an animated TV series for kids where children between ages 3 and 5 are exposed to math and are taught basic skills to solve everyday life problems.
It has 2 seasons with 63 episodes that run for approximately 30 minutes each. It has an IMDb rating of 7.9/10.
11. Team Umizoomi
Another favorite cartoon of mine, Team Umizoomi is an animated children’s series that teaches math concepts to solve problems.
The team consists of two siblings and a robot named Geo who travels around to help characters solve problems. Multiplication, sequences, and shapes are some of the tools they use when solving problems.
It is currently aired on Nick Jr and has 4 seasons with 80 episodes. It has an IMDb rating of 6.1/10.
12. Annedroids
Annedroids is a live-action educational series where children are exposed to science and technology concepts.
Anne, an 11-year-old science genius, and her three amazing androids explain all about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from the perspective of a child.
It currently airs on Amazon Prime and has 4 seasons with 52 episodes. It has an IMDb rating of 6.2/10.
Conclusion
Exposing your children to educational TV shows for kids holds a lot of advantages. They get to learn a lot about new things while having fun in the process. It is a great way to encourage learning in a fun way.
I grew up watching Sesame street, team Umizoomi, blue’s clues, and turtle Taido. Which is/was your favorite and why? Let me know in the comment section.
FAQs
Are there educational TV shows for babies?
Yes, there are. These include Sesame streets, Super simple songs (YouTube), and Word Party (Netflix).
Any educational TV shows for 10-year old?
The Baby-Sitters Club (Netflix), Gravity Falls (Disney+), and Diary of a Future President (Disney+) are a few TV shows to educate your adorable 10-year-old.
Are there educational TV shows for tweens?
Oh, sure there are. These include Brain Games (Amazon), Space: New Frontier (Amazon), Plastic Ocean (Netflix), and The Last Man on The Moon (Netflix).
What educational TV shows are there for adults?
There are loads of educational shows for adults. Some of these include Explained, 100 humans, Salt Fat Acid Heat, and Night on Earth, all of which are available on Netflix.
by Happiness Hassan | Mar 27, 2022 | Family & Parenting
Setting rules helps everything go as planned. However, when it comes to parenting, flexible parenting plans should be adapted in place of rules. This is because rules have consequences attached to them and these consequences hurt children. Furthermore, consistency style in parenting views rules as the basis of the relationship between parents and their kids. Sadly, in such homes parents will unconsciously force their will on their children and their kids have nothing to say but to obey in silence. In contrast, learning how to be a flexible parent is all you need to inculcate both discipline and love as your parenting style. This in turn, boosts the love bond between you and your kids.
What is Flexible Parenting?
A flexible parenting style is a parenting approach that works based on teamwork between parents and their kids. In other words, parents aren’t rigid in their dealings with their kids but are open to new possibilities, considering the needs of everyone involved before a conclusion can be reached about a matter. Indeed there is no such thing as perfect parenting, similarly, being authoritative doesn’t make you a good parent, rather creates a separation between you and your kids.
Why is Flexibility More Important than Consistency in Parenting?
1. Flexible Parenting Enhances Effective Communication
Exchange of pleasantries with your kids every morning when you wake up and each time you return from work isn’t tagged effective communication. As a parent you need to know deep things about your kids; their challenges, fears, likes, dislikes, what’s bothering them and more.However, a flexible parenting plan will help you loosen up your rules by boosting effective communication between you and your kids.
2. Builds Self-confidence in Children
Being flexible means you’re open to the opinion of your kids regarding certain decisions. Interestingly, allowing your kids to make suggestions and decisions by themselves is one way of boosting self-confidence in children. In addition, they will feel valued and cared for because they now know you have their needs at heart and not just imposing your will on them.
3. Enhances a State of Mindfulness and Calmness
The state of being mindful isn’t restricted to meditative techniques of calmness, but a flexible parenting plan also guarantees calmness in your life as a parent. How? By bringing you into the consciousness that your kids will do the right thing even in your absence. Oftentimes, parents set rules to control the behavior of their children when away, but this shouldn’t be as it indirectly affects the self-esteem of your children.
4. Boost Self-discipline in Children
Rules aren’t what make children self-discipline rather it makes them feel controlled and may never grow up to be emotionally mature. But, as you begin to understand how to be a flexible parent it becomes easier for you to teach your children instead of controlling them. In essence, teach your kids about the rights and wrongs they deserve to know. This method helps kids feel empowered and take responsibility for their life even as they grow up.
5. Problem-Solving Skills
Kids learn how to be independent as they grow up through problem-solving. Yes, you’re their parents and are expected to provide solutions to all their problems, but spice things up by frequently letting them think through their problems and provide solutions. Their solutions may not be perfect but at least they have learned something tangible through that experience. Most importantly, problem-solving skills boost the intelligence quotient of children.
How Do I Become a Flexible Parent?
1. Choice Teamwork Over Self-centeredness
Oftentimes, parents feel they are fulfilling their parenting duty by doing everything as regards the family alone. This might sound great but it’s a form of self-centeredness. Sadly, some parents make family decisions without considering their spouses, not to mention their kids. If you must learn how to be a flexible parent you should willingly embrace teamwork.
For instance, don’t do the house chores alone while your kids stay back and watch you. In response to this, assigned household chores for kids to them, in addition, working together as a family boosts unity and strengthens the love bond.
2. Be Open to New Ideas
Everything is subjected to change even in parenting. Therefore, stop using the same parenting approach your parents use to bring you up on your kids. I’m not saying it’s wrong but those parenting styles that are outdated due to changes in times and environment should be modified. In essence, inculcating a flexible parenting plan involves accepting new ideas that work. Remember we learn every day, so, be open to learning from friends, family, experiences, situations, parenting books, and even from your children.
3. Involve Your Children in Making Decision
Don’t assume you know what’s best for your children, as you may not be correct at all times. Therefore, feel free to involve your children in making decisions, their contribution might be little but it can also be a pointer to the solution needed. The importance of children making decisions can’t be overemphasized because it helps them become independent, disciplined, responsible, emotional, and socially mature among other benefits.
4. Listen to Your Children More Often
As a parent when things go wrong or your kids make mistakes don’t be quick to act in anger by giving them tedious punishment. In contrast, hear them out, get to understand what led to the mistake, and see where you can help. This parenting approach makes your kids feel understood and secure to always run to you for help when things go wrong. Furthermore, to avoid acting out in anger you should learn how to identify and control your emotions, this will guide you on how to maintain your peace amidst unpleasant situations and take the best possible actions.
5. Teach Your Children
Most parents interchange teaching with controlling. Hence, they find them trapped in the web of using force to make their children obey them. This parenting approach only deprives you of having a healthy relationship with your children. Therefore, teaching your children the do’s and don’t of life is a basic requirement in the flexible parenting plan. The moment your children can differentiate between right and wrong and the results attached to both decisions, I assure you they will always go for the best option.
6. Prioritize Your Self Care
Parents who are plagued with mental and emotional issues like anger, depression, emotional neglect, bipolar disorder, anxiety among other disorders tend to be authoritative— using force to make things go their way. This approach doesn’t make things better but seeking medical help will improve their condition. Perhaps, you desire to learn how to be a flexible parent amidst your mental and emotional issues, it’s great but the first step to begin is by seeking medical help to avoid hurting yourself and your kids any further.
7. Practice More of Acceptance
Acceptance in this context means accepting the feelings and emotions of your kids. In other words, learning to be more empathetic, by doing so you will be mindful of how you set rules and make decisions. This attitude guides you in taking into consideration what your kids will feel when you take that decision you’re about to take. Better still, put yourself in their shoes and analyze the outcome if you were to be at the receiving end of that decision.
Conclusion
There are no set rules and guidelines for parenting and this is what makes learning how to be a flexible parent of great necessity. It’s on the wings of flexibility you’re able to do things differently, adapt to the methods that work, say no to unprofitable rules. Most importantly, place the love you have for your kids above every parenting decision.
Therefore, as a parent what’s your experience with flexible parenting approach?
FAQs
What are the 4 types of parenting styles?
Permissive parenting (lenient attitude from parents who only steps in when issues get serious), authoritarian parenting (Parents impose their will/authority on children without consideration), Neglectful parenting (nonchalant attitude from parents, having fewer rules, guidance and parenting attention) authoritative parenting (Uses rules with consequences, considering the children)
Why should parents be flexible?
Giving a child proper upbringing is only achieved when there is a healthy relationship between parents and their children. In other words, adopting a flexible parenting approach helps enhance the relationship with your children. Hence, your children become open to telling you things and run to you for solutions at any time.
What is soft parenting?
Soft parenting is a parenting style involving fewer rules and regulations and giving more attention to a child’s emotions. In essence, parents are more concerned about their children’s emotions and wouldn’t do anything to hurt them. This parenting approach is one way to make a child emotionally mature.
What parenting style is the best?
Research has revealed that an authoritative parenting style has great benefits to a child. This style still utilizes rules with consequences attached but involves positive discipline and welcomes a child’s opinion. This in turn makes a child self-disciplined and becomes more responsible.
How do I know if I’m a flexible parent?
Being flexible in parenting isn’t a day job but takes a series of processes. However, the main sign that shows you’re becoming a flexible parent is when your children become free to tell you everything about themselves without fear or constraints.
by Happiness Hassan | Feb 20, 2022 | Family & Parenting
Humans react differently to things and situations happening around them or to them. However, irrespective of the differences, it can be broadly classified into positive and negative reactions. For instance, when challenges occur with no hope of a solution, the vast majority will lose focus and give in to fear and tears. On the other hand, there are still a few individuals out there, who can cope fine despite their current situation. These categories have learned how to understand their emotions and choose the positive over the negative. This article seeks to tell you about activities to help your child grow emotionally.
Interestingly, growing to such a stage of emotional maturity doesn’t happen overnight or within a twinkle of an eye, in essence, it’s a process that requires time – It begins from childhood. Therefore, as a parent there are a series of activities to help your kids grow emotionally mature; this process eases their growth stage unto adulthood.
What is Emotional Maturity?
Emotional maturity is a state where a person has gained the ability to understand his/her emotions, and beyond understanding has the power to manage their emotions no matter their circumstances – either pleasant or unpleasant. As earlier established it doesn’t happen in a day, but it’s a skill that is developed through consistent work overtime. Furthermore, growing to the stage of emotional maturity begins with the development of one’s emotional intelligence by having vivid knowledge of one’s thoughts and behavior.
Subsequently, this lays the foundation for emotional maturity and helps one decide how best to approach a situation. Sadly, most parents don’t feel the need to help their kids grow emotionally, because they have experienced a series of emotional neglect in the past. However, instead of depriving your children, you can choose to learn how to overcome childhood emotional neglect.
What Are the Benefits of Emotional Maturity?
1. Emotional Maturity Helps One Provide Productive Solutions to Problems
Problems are certainly unavoidable in life, arising from people, situations, and things. But what matters most is how we can handle those problems by providing a productive solution. In response to this, being emotionally mature keeps one calm despite the turbulence around. Also, in a state of calmness, a person can think straight and provide constructive solutions.
2. It Helps Kids Associate Socially With Peers
As a parent don’t hesitate to learn about those activities to help your kids grow emotionally, this is because this activity enables them to associate with their peers positively. Kids who are damaged emotionally have poor self-esteem about themselves and feel left out among their peers. In contrast, when your child is matured emotionally they feel good about themselves and mingle with their peers to learn more.
3. Emotional Maturity Empowers One to Seek Help
Those who are mature emotionally know that life isn’t about themselves alone. Rather a connected network of valuable people, who serves as a propeller towards the actualization of their goals. Hence, when they are exhausted they don’t keep the pain to themselves or die in silence, on the contrary, they are quick to ask for help if need be. In essence, kids who are mature emotionally feel free to tell their parents things about themselves especially when they are suffering from bullying at school.
4. Emotional Maturity Enables a Person to Cope with Difficult Situations
Hard times are what make the journey of life worthwhile. They build us into becoming the best version of ourselves because the comfort zone slows down progress. However, those who are not yet mature emotionally easily get overwhelmed by their difficult times, but the reverse becomes the case when such a person is emotionally matured – they overcome difficult times. Therefore, you must be determined to learn about activities to help your kids grow emotionally which enables them to cope with difficult circumstances.
5. Control the Effects of Negative Emotions
The vast majority don’t know how to curtail their negative emotions and similarly don’t care about the aftermath of such emotions. Those who struggle with anger or other negative emotions must learn to excuse themselves from amidst people to avoid taking regrettable actions. This is why everyone must learn how to be emotionally mature to avoid hurting themselves and others by venting negative emotions wrongly.
Activities to Help Your Child Grow Emotionally
1. Spend Quality Time with Your Kids by Hanging Out Together
It’s wrong to abandon your kids all in the name of a quest for money, a career, or an accomplishment. When kids are left alone they begin to feel unwanted and think less of themselves. In contrast, learn how to balance work and family to be able to spend quality time with your kids. Hanging out with your kids helps them realize that survival is tired of social connection and they wouldn’t hesitate to seek help when needed instead of keeping the pain to themselves.
2. Practice More Relaxation and Meditation
Among those activities to help your child grow emotionally mature is the frequent practice of relaxation. Kids shouldn’t be exempted from this practice. This is because both of them are healthy practices that help bring the body to a state of calmness and focus. Interestingly, the more your kids give in to the act of meditation the more they can maintain a calm state when unpleasant things happen. Constructive solutions are birthed from the state of serenity and focus. Also, encourage them to cultivate the habit of listening to calm music.
3. Encourage Your Kids to Practice Healthy Habits
The practice of healthy habits is what enables kids to value themselves and learn to become more empathetic towards others. In essence, they become mindful of all their actions and decisions to avoid causing harm to themselves and others. Healthy practices include obedience to instructions, keeping good company, proper eating routine, dedication to academic work, and being truthful and honest among others. In addition, ensure you inculcate the right morals into your kids because kids who are morally unsound easily give in to negative emotions.
4. Decisions Making Helps Kids Grow Emotionally
Your kids begin to take responsibility for their actions when they are allowed to make decisions by themselves. Responsible kids will always manage their emotions irrespective of the situation. The importance of allowing kids to make their own decisions can’t be overemphasized as it helps them see the bigger picture of life. This way, they can choose what’s right over what’s wrong without feeling controlled or forced. At times, as a parent, you may feel they don’t know what’s best, however, feel free to tell them the pros and cons of every action they intend to take and allow them to decide.
5. Kids Who Engage in Worthwhile Activities Grow Emotionally
Productive activities are one of those activities to help your child grow emotionally. This is because these kinds of activities boost their creativity and brain coordination and; in turn influence their emotions positively, especially when done within a group like academic activities and participation in sports. In addition, be committed to discovering your kid’s talent and supporting them as much as possible. Furthermore, they should grow their talent by learning a skill that’s related to their talent.
It may interest you to check out fun things to do with your child at home during the holidays.
6. Allocate House Chores to Your Kids
Kids who get everything done for them by others find it difficult to coordinate themselves. In other words, they don’t know the value of things because they aren’t aware of the effort put together to achieve that thing. Therefore, you would do your kids lots more good by assigning them household chores for kids. Engaging in such activities teaches them about hard work and boosts their problem-solving skills when a task requiring their reasoning is assigned to them.
7. It’s Okay For Your Kids to Make Mistakes
Oftentimes, people get confused when they make mistakes or give in to depression when they fail because they have been taught that failure is the end of the tunnel for them. This mindset is often gotten from childhood as parents make their children feel bad when they make mistakes. However, this approach is wrong as it limits the growth of any child. Failures and mistakes are part of life and are stepping stones to greater heights. Hence, allow your kids to make mistakes so they can learn and avoid such occurrences in the future.
8. Reading Valuable Books Boost Emotional Growth
Reading books is one of those activities to help your child grow emotionally when applied currently. Kids can learn about different types of emotions and the effects of reading books related to emotional growth. Oftentimes, this book comes in children’s novel format telling stories about things, animals, and humans. However, within these storylines are moral lessons for kids to learn and apply to their own lives. So, instead of allowing your kids to play around or spend unnecessary time in front of the screen, buy them this set of books and watch them grow emotionally.
Conclusion
Growing emotionally isn’t a day job but rather a continuous process of growth beginning from childhood. Therefore, take all those activities to help your kids grow emotionally outlined above one at a time. In addition, encourage your kids to familiarize themselves with a positive affirmation attitude. In essence, they should learn how to always say something positive about themselves, as it influences their mindset and reactions towards situations that happen around them.
by Happiness Hassan | Nov 30, 2021 | Family & Parenting
Individual birth position can influence one’s behavior and how one views life in general. These traits are noticeable even at a tender age – inherent. However, we’ll be focusing on those amazing facts about first borns that distinguish them from others.
Firstborns occupy significant positions in every family, irrespective of their gender. This is because they are the first child to open the womb of their mother before the couple expects other children. These sets of people possess a certain quality that makes them distinct and unique. I am going to mention some here.
Fascinating Facts About First Borns
1. First Borns are Independent
An increase in age and maturity indeed makes one independent. In contrast, by being a first child, you attain an independent attitude easily and from an early age. This is portrayed in their ability to take proper care of themselves and their younger siblings in the absence of their parents if need be.
Also, they have the ability to make certain decisions by themselves without worrying about making the wrong choice.
2. First Borns Tend to Fend for Themselves Early in Life
As they grow up to maturity, it’s likely to see them established early with a means of earning a living. Of course, a vast number of them learned the act of skilful saving and engaging in little businesses. They have high chances of taking over their family business, if there are any, and fostering continuity.
Unsurprisingly, they do not have a lazy attitude to carry out their duty, rather they are diligent and committed.
3. First Borns are Leaders
Naturally, firstborns occupy a leadership position, saddled with the responsibility to lead their other siblings. This serves as a building ground that prepares them for effective leadership roles when appointed. This implies that they will give in their best to portray excellence since they already know what leadership is all about right from childhood.
Interestingly, the attitude of organization, management, care, and love comes alive in them without much effort; it’s one of the pivotal facts about firstborns.
4. Perfect Pace-Setters are First Borns
Every first child eventually becomes a role model to their younger siblings. Hence, they are the ones who pave the way for others to experience a smooth ride. Therefore, they are considered the most sacrificial, since they want to be seen as a good example and a pace-setter.
This is why they are mindful of the kind of life they live; to avoid having a bad influence on their younger ones who look up to them for directions.
5. Creativity is One of the Interesting Facts about First Borns
Indeed, first borns are purpose-driven and goal-oriented. This mindset fosters creative thinking within them unconsciously. Oftentimes, they are the first to see opportunity amidst disappointment. Subsequently, their creativity enables them to practice effective time management, financial budgeting as well balancing work and family.
Furthermore, firstborns are mostly engaged in one or two activities – innovation is their watchword. Sorting out ways to make life better and easier for themselves and those who look up to them.
6. Bravery and Courage is Evident in First Borns
The vast majority of determined men and women are most likely firstborns. Due to the position they occupy as the first, they tend to be the first to try anything new before others. In order not to disappoint their younger ones who are confident in them, they clothe themselves with the armour of bravery and courage. They wouldn’t trade the trust bestowed on them from others for anything. Hence, they are prone to risk-taking and going the extra mile to achieve success.
First borns rarely give up on their goals even if it seems the result isn’t forthcoming. They never take “No” for an answer, instead, they find a way of motivating themselves back on track.
7. First Borns are Quick Adaptors
Among the fascinating facts about first borns is their ability to adapt to every situation they find themselves in. This implies that they have a high assimilating capability. In addition, are quick to improvise an alternative route when the previous isn’t working as expected.
They also enjoy engaging in vocational skills and often learn them within the stipulated time.
8. First Borns May Be a Bit Authoritative
Since firstborns are purpose-driven and goal-oriented they always want things to go as they have planned them to be – without entertaining other suggestions. Oftentimes, this makes their leadership position more authoritative and forceful.
However, they can adjust their attitude when they learn that leadership is all about teamwork. Although, behind that authoritativeness is a sacrificial, loving, and caring leader. In other words, they’re been authoritative to achieve a set goal and nothing more.
9. There is a Strong Love Connection Between First Borns and Their Parents
The love bond between parents and a first born is more compared to other siblings— it’s natural and not a form of discrimination. Their connection is fostered by the quality time they spend together. In other words, parents’ undivided attention is channelled towards their first child due to the absence of another for the time being. Therefore, first borns get to soar high as a result of the support, encouragement, and love received from their parents.
In addition, firstborns become morally built up because their parents do take out time to imbibe in them solid advice, morals, principles, religious beliefs, and culture—that’s expected of them as a member of that family and the society at large.
10. Faithful Friends are Likely First Borns
Subsequently, try to take a survey of the birth position of your faithful friends, those you can count on to come to your rescue in time of need. It will amaze you that the majority of them occupy the first born position in their families.
This is to say, the probability of getting disappointed by a friend is thin when you associate with first borns.
Conclusion
Furthermore, firstborns are hardworking, therefore, have higher chances of success. However, the above-listed facts about first borns are not restricted to only firstborns. But, it does mean that the majority of the firstborn portray that trait.
As first born, what are those unique traits peculiar to you alone?
by Happiness Hassan | Nov 27, 2021 | Family & Parenting
In a family system, opposition and competition among siblings can’t be avoided. This is due to individual differences and the desire to be the best at the expense of another person’s well-being. Siblings rivalry may be inevitable, however, certain principles make managing sibling rivalry achievable.
Irrespective of the love and unity among siblings, there always comes a point of disagreement, when not curtailed can tear the home apart. Therefore, it’s your responsibility as a parent to be able to understand each child’s perspective when opposition arises. Most importantly, solve the issue without being biased.
Effective Ways to Manage Siblings Rivalry
1. Think Before Acting When Rivalry Surfaces
Whenever there seems to be friction between your kids, your first line of action is to calm yourself down. This prevents you from acting out of anger or siding one child over the other. Most importantly, you’re able to understand what exactly is the root cause of the problem, who is at fault, and what solution is best.
In addition, learn to discipline your kids in love and avoid correcting them through violence. In other words, disciplining in love makes your kids see their faults and make amends or improve their character. However, violence makes their character grow worse, decreases the love bond between you and that child, and causes them to become violent with other siblings and peers. Also, that child begins to develop enmity towards you as a parent.
2. Treating all Siblings Equally Minimizes Rivalry
Managing sibling rivalry demands that all kids be treated equally—no discrimination. Sincerely, everyone is unique in their way. However, don’t let one child’s weakness or strength influence how you relate with your children. Remember your kids are good observers, once they notice you have a favourite, the rivalry begins to surface as a means of expressing their emotional neglect.
This reminds me of my childhood experience. One faithful day my mom returned home and brought presents for me and my brother. Innocently, she gave me a pair of shoes and gave my brother the same with the addition of a football. I had no need for football but at the same time felt cheated and unloved— immediately, my mood changed. My mom noticed and began questioning, when the cause of my mood change was discovered, without much time wastage it was corrected.
In other words, as a parent, it’s expected of you to love and relate with all your kids equally. Most importantly, gender should not dictate how you treat your kids. Female children are entitled to all rights and benefits just like male children. Discrimination is one of the parenting mistakes to avoid as a parent. Also, discrimination affects both academic performances, social ability, emotional intelligence, physical and moral behavior of a child.
3. Celebrate Your Kids Uniqueness and Differences
Siblings begin to compete with each other when they think less of themselves— low self-esteem. Hence, managing sibling rivalry requires creating time to acknowledge and celebrate your kid’s uniqueness. This act helps them see the best in themselves and erase the feeling that another is better than them. Also, while doing this don’t exalt one child highly in the midst of another, this often stirs up hatred towards that child from the rest of the siblings.
Amazingly, the more you celebrate your kids, they begin to embrace each other in love, seeing the need for each other. Gradually, it becomes clear to them that teamwork is the fastest route to arrive at their destination, not rivalry.
4. Study Your Kids Temperament
To a large extent one’s thinking, behaviour and reactions are influenced by our temperament. Therefore, managing sibling rivalry demands that you should learn about your kid’s temperament. So you can create a conducive atmosphere for each child to avoid feuds that may result from temperament clashing. The major temperament types include sanguine—outspoken, choleric—leadership incline, melancholy—creative innovators, and phlegmatic—easy going.
Studying your kids’ temperament enlightens you the most on how to group your kids to an assignment. For instance,
the choleric me and my immediate brother who is more of a phlegmatic can’t be on the same team, because a choleric who is activity-driven will be irritated by the nonchalant attitude of a phlegmatic.
Whereas, the reverse is the case when paired with my other siblings who are more of a melancholy temperament. Likewise, a creative melancholy will be annoyed by the playful, unserious sanguine attitude.
5. Practice and Emphasis the Act of Love overall
An atmosphere of love reduces rivalry among siblings. Furthermore, boost the attitude of understanding and unity. In essence, siblings can relate friendly with each other and cooperate to achieve a given task. It’s wrong to assume that your kids know and understand how much you care and value them. Therefore, take a step further by professing your love to your kids—say it; I love you!
Also, your actions should portray love, this includes buying them gifts, allowing them to make their own decisions—stop imposing your will on your kids, remember they have a mind of their own. Most importantly, let your reaction show love like being happy when they do something great and disciplining in love among others.
6. Assign Creative Punishment when Necessary
Having understood the reason behind the opposition between siblings and detecting who is at fault. What comes next, is your ability to allocate reasonable punishment to prevent such reoccurrence. However, punishment in this context doesn’t mean violence; using sharp objects to flog a child or withdrawal of certain benefits.
In contrast, employ creative punishment such as letter writing, quantitative reasoning, or assigning household chores for kids. Furthermore, creative punishments are effective tactics to boost your child’s retention ability and enhance academic performance.
7. Rewarding Good Behaviour Reduces Siblings Rivalry
One of the ways to show approval over your kid’s behaviour is by rewarding and commending their good behaviours. In essence, whenever they relate with each other unitedly and show a great deal of understanding, they deserve to be rewarded. Ensure you let them know why they are being rewarded so they can continue on that path.
8. Ensure Your Kids are Occupied with the Needful
Oftentimes, idleness leads to opposition and hatred towards those that seem to be busy chasing their own goals. Hence, managing sibling rivalry requires that you get all your kids occupied with the needful—valuable activities. This includes developing their passion, learning soft skills, or assisting with the home chores.
Conclusion
To effectively learn the act of managing sibling rivalry, create a time when the family can come together and discuss matters. The more often this is done, everyone gets to express how they feel, understand how their other siblings think, feel, and the drive behind their behaviours. In addition, what’s your best method in managing sibling rivalry?
