Being a first-time parent can be daunting, especially now with so much information on the internet telling you to do this or do that to raise a successful child. But what really makes a successful child?
In a new global study on Early Childhood Development conducted by Fisher-Price, it was revealed that mums around the world have placed a huge emphasis on developing their child’s EQ (character traits) over IQ with love over education as an important factor in the child’s development. In short, mums today want to raise children whose “success” is based on the character traits they developed over time instead of intellectual and financial achievements.
To put the results of the study in context in Australia, Jules Sebastian, mom and TV presenter, teamed up with Fisher-Price™ experts paediatrician Dr. Katie Heathershaw and midwife Natasha Boschetti, both of whom have worked closely with Australian mums, to discuss how Australia as a nation is providing the best start for children.
The discussion revealed that despite the high-pressure and fast-paced society in Australia, Aussie mums have shifted their perspective on their child’s future. Mums today are rejecting the “Tiger Mums” approach on parenting and focusing more on well-rounded development by installing traits like happiness, kindness and honesty over attributes like intellect, wealth, power, and influence.
“As a mum, I’m always thinking about how to give my sons the best start in life. It’s so
important to me that they grow up to be happy, well-rounded individuals. Lots of
playtime, outdoor experiences and family time are top of my list for creating a bright
future,” Jules Sebastian said.
With so many parenting “techniques” on the internet, which one should mums follow?
When asked about her thoughts on the “Crying It Out” and “No Cry Sleep” solutions and how these can affect the child’s EQ at a later stage, Dr. Katie Heathershaw explained that although there are numerous approaches to common issues like bedtime struggles, the child’s parents are the experts in developing an approach for their child. She further assured parents that choosing one method over another when handling common problems with children will not adversely affect a child’s emotional development. The important thing is really to find a tailor-fit approach for each individual child.
How can parents prepare children to stay happy and positive in difficult or stressful times?
The study by Fisher-Price clearly shows that happiness is the number one aspiration parents have for their children. However, ups and downs in life cannot be avoided and parents won’t always be around to provide support to their children.
Dr. Heathershaw suggests that how children will cope to stressful situations depends on the foundations parents laid in the early stages of their development. By providing consistency in the parents’ demonstration of love through established play and bedtime routines, children will feel secure and supported.
“Although we hope our children won’t have to endure difficult and stressful times, this ‘clouds can have a silver lining’ is a good sentiment in building resilience and strength—important skills for the future,” she added.
With Australian families become more “mobile,” more and more children are growing up without the presence of other adults, like their grandparents. How will this affect them?
According to Dr. Heathershaw, what children need the most are closeness, support and love from important adults in their lives. As long as their parents can provide this need, having far-flung family doesn’t necessarily pose an issue.
Moreover, with the technology available today as well as travel costs becoming more accessible, the geographical issue has never been easier to solve.
What’s best for your child?
With all these laid down to us, raising a happy child all boils down to one guiding principle: “What is best for your child?” As long as parents provide their children’s essential needs, such as love and support, the children are in good hands.
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