If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.

Importance

Parents assert a direct and powerful influence on their children through the process of socialization has permeated research and theory on human development as well as most cultural belief systems. If children turn out well, it is to the parents’ credit; if they turn out badly, it is the parents’ fault. Parents play a significant role in shaping children’s environments and thus children’s exposure to other factors that influence development, such as peer relationships. Additionally, children are more likely to select friends who have similar interests and values, which are rooted primarily in early family experiences.

What Does It Mean to Be a Parent?

Good parenting isn’t just a robotic tending to the needs of a child. While this care is crucial, it’s not the only aspect of parenting. The American Psychological Association describes three primary goals of parenting; only the first one involves basic needs.

• Keeping children healthy and safe
• Preparing kids for independent adulthood
• Teaching values that align with the parents’ culture

Similarly, the organization Proud 2 Parent lists these concepts as parenting definitions:

• Meeting basic needs
• Protection
• Preparation
• Love
• Leading   

Parenting Gifted Children for Success

Parenting gifted children for success means knowing the characteristics of gifted children. To be gifted looks different for each child; however, there are certain traits and characteristics that a gifted child tends to possess. Recognizing these traits can help you meet your child’s unique needs:

• Perfectionism
• High energy
• Sophisticated sense of humour
• Accelerated reading skills
• Extensive vocabulary
• Curiosity
• Excellent memory
• Long attention span
• Ability to make connections and see relationships
• Flexible thinking
• A tendency to question almost everything
• Fast learners
• Enjoy discussions about topics they find interesting
• Preoccupation with fairness and justice
• Emotional and physical sensitivity
• Asynchronistic development
• Intense sensitivity

Parenting style

Numerous parenting styles have been described. Of these, there are four widely accepted, research-based approaches that thoroughly explain parental behaviour and its impact on children, including their mental health. The four official parenting styles:

• Authoritative
• Authoritarian
• Permissive
• Uninvolved/neglecting

Parenting can be child-centered or parent-centered. It can be described as nurturing or controlling.  Some parenting types help kids be mentally healthy as they grow and develop while others can create stress and mental health problems.

Other parenting types exist, too. Among the various styles are

• Instinctive parenting in which people parent the way they were raised, good or bad
• Attachment parenting in which bonding with children is paramount
• Helicopter parenting in which parents hover like a helicopter, interfering in their kids’ lives
• Shame-based parenting involves anger, punishment, and shaming
• Positive parenting is rooted in positive psychology and seeks to develop happily, involved, goal-oriented kids