Pharaohs, Egypt and Plenty of History

In spite of the old saying going "A man's house is his castle," a home can begin to feel more like a prison unless parents (both the mother and father) take the necessary steps to ensure a positive social and emotional balance within the home. Beyond whatever needs that the adults themselves may have, it is particularly important that children be afforded a nurturing and supportive atmosphere in the home.

Turning that mandate into a reality is, of course, a tricky matter that will vary from family to family and from parent to parent. What is for sure is that parents need to reinforce positive behavior in their children-and learn at the same time how to discourage negative behaviors that only serve to undermine a healthy and safe home...for all.

Lesson number one that parents must learn to this effect: nothing is better than leading by example. In the absence of such exemplary leadership, children will almost never respect their parents' cajolings and insinuations as to what parts of their behavior are good and, likewise, what parts are bad, etc. In other words, to be able to foster positive attitudes on the one hand, and to be able to get their children to desist with bad attitudes on the other hand, it's absolutely necessary for parents to practice what they preach. It's an inconvenient situation for certain parents, but it's an undeniable truth and a vital lesson for all parents.

With that idea firmly implanted inside a parent's head, it then comes time to develop and elaborate one's notion of exactly what behaviors are healthy and positive and which not; what should be reinforced and what discouraged. Indeed, it becomes necessary to ask the sobering question: what behaviors need to be supported and encouraged from a young age to let that child grow into a healthy, responsible adult life. Indeed, pondering these basic questions early on is a key part of the process of parenting.

It has proven to be quite beneficial to think of this rather serious matter in the following way, by breaking the matter down into three over-arching categories: which behaviors are good for the child itself; which behaviors will have a positive impact on the family as a whole; and which behaviors will have an ultimately positive effect on society as a whole, not only now but particularly later when that child becomes a regular adult citizen.

As seen from the first perspective described, that of the welfare of the child itself, parents need to focus on keeping the child constantly active--both mentally and physically. There's another old saying which makes reference to healthy bodies and healthy minds, and there isn't a person in the world that can achieve the one without the other.

As seen from the second perspective, that of the family as a whole and with particular emphasis on relationships between its members, it's important that children remain actively involved with other members of the family and on generally good terms with them all (again, leading by example comes into play here as well). A practical strategy can be to encourage performing activities in groups rather than individually, though the necessity for this will largely depend on children's specific personalities.

Last though most surely not least, from the vantage point of the good of society itself, it's necessary to impulse a certain sense of responsibility and commitment to the community. Certain parents will use established religious institutions to reach this effect, whereas other people find other ways to get there. Either way, it's important that parents stress the values of open-mindedness and acceptance of diversity.

Jayde Johannsen has learned many lessons about parenting over the years. If she is looking for baby high chairs, she will always prefer wooden high chairs for babies.