There is no way to get around independent children who are a product of their environment. Children learn about the world through the behaviors of their friends, caregivers, and parents. These critical models help shape their values ​​and beliefs. As a result, it takes a conscious and deliberate effort to provide opportunities that broaden their perspective.

Fortunately, you can benefit from the experience of others who have gone through the child-rearing process. Here are six secrets to raising independent kids:

1. Create a caring environment

You are the best and most important support system for your child. If your career is setting you apart from your little one, invest your time in choosing the best  childcare center  possible   .

The ideal venue will share your values ​​regarding how to raise children and enhance their efforts while trying new things.

2. Help children fall in love with reading

Television and movies can be great storytellers. However, nothing will stimulate the imagination and create a foundation for academic success like reading. In addition to helping develop language skills and vocabulary, reading can help children emotionally.

One study in the United Kingdom found that 5-year-olds with parents who read to them daily had fewer behavioral problems than those whose parents did not.

3. Invest in your marriage

It is now socially acceptable for parents to invest all their time and energy in their children, even at the cost of their marriage. Therapists warn  that this destructive pattern can instill in children an unhealthy perspective on future relationships, and put families in a precarious position. Children find greater stability in an environment where parents love and spend quality time with each other. Investing time in a happy and successful marriage is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your children.

4. Set an example for the importance of friendships

A study  of 250 6-year-old boys found that fostering meaningful friendships was beneficial for their mental, emotional, and physical health. Children who had even one friend were better able to handle stress, and were less likely to engage in bullying. As adults, the commitment to friendships paid off in lowering blood pressure and body weight. Providing your children with opportunities and encouraging them to make a wide range of friends is a vital component of raising them to be healthy, active adults.

5. Teaching a healthy body image

Babies and young children are fascinated by what their bodies can do. Unfortunately, peers start talking about weight, height, and athletic abilities as early as elementary school, which can affect self-esteem and self-confidence.

To help your child develop a positive body image, teach him how to take care of himself through physical activity and diet. Make sure to provide positive reinforcement regarding their talents and good qualities, as well as their appearance, and strongly avoid negative comments about their bodies. Most importantly, accept your body.

6. Instilling the spirit of volunteerism

Since your family creates its own rituals, consider adding the practice of  volunteering together  , perhaps on holidays. It will not only create the opportunity to spend quality time together, but it will also provide children with real learning experiences and opportunities to acquire new skills. Children can also gain self-respect and self-satisfaction as well as a sense of civic responsibility.

Give your children the opportunity to become adults by creating opportunities that will generate confidence and self-esteem. Children who have positive, healthy, and loving behaviors designed for them at home, will inevitably reflect these values ​​in their own behavior.