Just like to many other parents, you want the best for your kids, to include the best of yourself. Many of us were brought up in a very different environment to that which is promoted today as the ideal setting to raise kids. The best thing you can do is sign up to personal growth seminars for parents, where you will learn new ways to interact with your child and guide his or her education. 

What are personal growth activities?

They are also known as "Parenting schools” or any other name that includes the parents. It may be a one-day seminar, several, or year-round. Experts offer tips concerning how to deal with issues that most parents will face at some point, and that may cause friction or misunderstandings.  

One of the problem times during child-rearing is around 2-years old, when they begin to be aware of their independence, when they start potty-training or go to day-care. These courses can also deal with obesity in kids or drugs.  

If they offer this kind of course in your community or school, do not pass up the opportunity. Besides giving knowledge that can be very useful for you, they will help you meet other parents in your situation and who may be able to share their experience in overcoming the problems associated every age.

The pillars of play

Although some of these programs are only aimed at parents, many others blend theory with practice and they require your kids to participate. Besides learning how to deal with difficult situations or what experts recommend concerning positive discipline in these personal growth courses you will discover that the latest studies prove that children use play as the best vehicle for learning.  

Playing is no longer considered a more or less necessary “rest” from the hours of learning, but it is a way of learning in itself. There are games for all ages, designed for each one of the child’s developmental areas.  

A very attractive and fun part of these programs is that you will participate with your kids in the games and they will teach you what you can practice at home to improve their skills. Every age has a different developmental plan.

Even pre-teens benefit from play and interacting with their parents. It is a very effective tool to improve family communication.

Know what to expect

Sometimes, many of the frustrations that the parents suffer during the different phases of development of their children arise from the lack of understanding of the point at which the child is. For example, many parents interpret the “no” phase children go through at around 2-years old as rebelliousness, but in fact it is not about that at all.  

If you know what to expect from your child and the reasons for the phase he or she is undergoing, it will be a lot easier to navigate these changes together.