Parenting is more than changing diapers, giving rides, and cooking meals. There’s more than their physical wellbeing to consider. We also have to stimulate and foster their emotional and intellectual sides, but this can be more challenging. Here are some lessons every child should know.

1. Manners – These are an essential part of growing up. If you ever expect your child to function with other people in the world, they will have to know how to speak and behave kindly to other people. This goes beyond their dealings with strangers. They need to show respect to the people close to them too, even though it’s easy to forget.

2. Losing – We all want to win, but it’s just not possible all the time. A person who knows how to lose gracefully will build strong relationships with other people. They’ll also learn how to become stronger because of their failures and try harder the next time.

3. Using anger – Anger has its place. Sometimes we need anger to protect ourselves or get something done. But anger out of hand is dangerous. Teach your child how to recognize anger and how it affects their decisions. Teach them how to let it out gracefully (no, punching a pillow isn’t useful, but deep breaths are).

4. The truth – It can seem, sometimes, that lies are easy in the short term. A lie here to save face. A lie there to get ahead. But when used too often, lies create a culture of dishonesty. If they lie often, no one will help, believe or support them.

5. Independence – I’m not suggesting you abandon your kids in dangerous, frustrating, or helpless situations. But a bit of space every once in a while is a good thing. Eventually you won’t be there to solve their problems, so they need to have some experience doing things for themselves.

6. Discipline – Motivation is when you really want something, but motivation only goes so far. When it runs out, we need discipline. Discipline is the ability to do things we may not want because we recognize the greater benefit. Everyone needs this in life.

7. Love – Some people don’t think you need to teach love, but they are wrong. Love is taught by love. Tell your children you love them. Show them physical affection. Even if they know you love them, they need to feel it. We all need it. If they feel loved, they will in turn love other people and create a healthy, positive cycle.

What are some lessons you think every child should know?

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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