There’s nothing like the first day of school. Parents go to sleep, waking up early so they can get their kids ready for the big event. The treats are bought, the clothes are ironed and shiny black shoes are polished until you can see your face in them.
School-aged children eagerly await this day because it means they’re one step closer to adulthood. They get dressed in their new clothes, smell the sweet scent of a brand-new pencil and get excited about what lies ahead.
This day is one of excitement, anticipation, and fear for both children and parents. Parents wonder how their child will handle going to school away from home while their child wonders if he or she will get lost on the way to the classroom.
At this point, both parents and children are filled with hope and excitement about what is to come. If all goes well, these feelings will carry on throughout the school year. However, if things go badly, there’s a chance that it can severely affect your relationship with your child and their academic performance.
What does this have to do with compassionate parenting? How is it possible that being compassionate can actually affect your child’s academic performance?
Compassionate parenting means that you are empathetic towards your children’s emotions. You remain calm when they’re upset, you try understanding their needs and desires while also expecting them to follow rules.
A compassionate parent knows when to be compassionate and firm, while also knowing when to stop being compassionate so they can continue to offer guidance.
With this type of parenting, you are able to help your child better handle the challenges that come with school-aged children. You help them get acclimated into their new surroundings by reminding them that you’re just a phone call away if they need you. You calmly tell them that it will be okay and remind them of all the wonderful things school has to offer.
Teaching your child about compassion early on can help them get through this challenging time, just as much as it can benefit other areas in their life.
Compassion is defined as “a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.” Showing compassion towards someone means that you are demonstrating empathy towards them by listening to what they have to say. It doesn’t matter if the person is right or wrong; all that matters is that you listen and watch out for their best interest.
With compassionate parenting, you’re able to show your child that you’re listening and understand what they’re going through. This, in turn, will help them feel less afraid of the challenging times ahead.
Compassionate parenting can also help improve your child’s academic performance because it helps them remain calm and attentive when giving a presentation or sitting down to do their homework.
When you show compassion, your child knows that you care and understand what they’re going through. This can help them feel less anxious during their time at school and more relaxed while doing homework.
If done correctly, compassionate parenting can be beneficial for both you and your child. It will create a stronger bond between the two of you as well as improving your child’s academic performance.