School’s been closed for some time now and most children are bored and don’t know what to do with their free time. Lots of kids will spend hours in front of a screen unless there are other kids around that they can play outdoors with. Younger kids will most probably keep on wanting their mom’s attention and involvement. For sure you’ll hear the word “mom, mommy” much more now than while they were at school. Meanwhile while you, mom, are running around trying to take care of everything and everyone, you are also trying to find ways to keep your child busy. Maybe now is a good time to sort out their clothes and toys.

There are toys your child no longer plays with, let alone those they’ve never attracted their interest, and clothes they’ve outgrown or haven’t even tried once. Find a day that’s convenient for you and your child and play “The mountain with the three rivers” game together. Start with their toys. Put everything in the middle of the room and form a mountain. Young children especially enjoy this one a lot. Choose a name for your own mountain – names can vary depending on your child’s age.

Then form three rivers: one with the toys your child absolutely loves and wants to keep, one with the ones they want to give away, and another with the ones they are not sure about yet. Don’t forget to name the rivers too. Now let the fun begin! Which river will be bigger / smaller? Which river will have more / fewer turns? Which river will be calm / rough? Remember to define together the criteria in advance.

Keep in mind that this game can take hours because your child might want to play with some toys or tell a story about some others. So relax and enjoy it. After all, it is a super opportunity for bonding! When you are done not only will you be more relaxed but your child’s room will also be lighter. And your child will feel that their opinion and decisions do count!

Have a discussion about where to give or donate the items your kid has chosen – to a cousin, to a friend’s child? Can you think of an institution or organization where you will go with your child so as to showcase another way of life? The choices are endless!

PS. You can play the same game for clothes, books, anything you like. And do not forget to do the same with your own clothes, “toys”, etc.

The new school year is a fact. Along with that come various extracurricular activities. Swimming pool, ballet, football, painting, foreign languages, martial arts, dance. The list can be huge. We want to give our children opportunities, to broaden their horizons so that they have alternatives.

But how many extracurricular activities will they have? How much will they – and you with them – be running around? The COVID-19 quarantines we’ve had have made me reconsider a few things. I’m not saying it was better that we all stayed and worked from home. However, the rhythms of our daily lives have become softer, more humane. We have had more opportunities to get closer to our children and to get to know them better; to recognize their real needs and wants; to give and receive those hugs that we “used to forget” because of all the running around.

So how about thinking a bit differently now that we are back in the “school mode”? Because there is also studying for school. And while some days studying and activities may go well together, most kids rush – and so do you – from activity to activity, and by the time they get home they are extremely tired and sleepy. Then there’s no time to study let alone time for conversation, play, and hugs.

How about rethinking the phrases we, parents, tell them? Phrases like “rush, you don’t have any time left, grab a fruit and go to bed…you have school tomorrow and an early morning wake up”? We certainly don’t want to have them so stressed to do everything (because they do not want to stop any of the activities they’ve chosen), without a single break. We don’t want robots, we want children. And of course, we don’t want to be so worried about them catching up on everything and making it to bed on time.

It’s better to think about how we may help our children and ourselves in a different way. So that we do not become their “alarm clock” and they learn how to be responsible.

One way is to discuss with your child and create together a weekly schedule that includes studying, extracurricular activities and some free time. Put it up in their room or in a visible spot somewhere in the house. Talk about possible ways to carry out the program and give your child the opportunity to implement it. Observe how things are going for a couple of weeks and ask your child’s opinion as well. You are always there to help if something needs to be changed. And one last thing that we often forget: Remember that studying is not your responsibility.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

Violence against women and girls is a fact that crosses all boundaries across the world. Research shows that nearly 1 in 3 women have been abused in their lifetime mostly by their intimate partner. During the COVID pandemic, these numbers have increased – 2 in 3 women – as domestic violence has been on the rise.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most persistent and widespread human rights violations in the world. Whether physically, sexually, emotionally or verbally women and girls are intimidated, harassed, exploited, and killed when they speak out. Young girls, older women, refugees, women of minorities, women with disabilities, and women with gender issues are more easily manipulated.

However, women and girls all around the world must be able to talk and need to be heard instead of having their voices silenced.

Education is, in my opinion, the most significant key to this scourge. And we, parents, play a major role in educating our children both girls and boys. Because it’s not only girls that need to know they have equal rights to boys; it’s also boys that need to learn that respect, equality, and development apply to both genders.

Violence begins at home. Children mirror our behavior. When children watch their father being abusive to their mother and their mother staying silent in this relationship they get the message; the wrong message. And they will repeat it as victimizers and victims.

So it is imperative that we, as parents but also as teachers and authorities, educate our girls, our daughters first. We need to teach them what true love really is:

• Love is all about giving the space to the other person to grow and evolve and to support them even when we may not agree with their choices.
• Love, real love, should not hurt or harm us in any way.
• Love should not make us do something against our will.
• Love should not make us feel dirty or guilty.
• Love should not imprison us. On the contrary, it gives us wings to fly.
• Love includes respect.
• Love is a beautiful, warm feeling; not one we want to run away from.

There is no prosperity or growth unless we end violence against girls and women. Let’s educate our girls – and boys – so as not to have violence as a continuous obstacle to equality and development. Let’s start talking and make our voices heard.

November 25th was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

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Schools have opened and children’s, as well as parents’ lives, are affected. Children must cope with a new class, perhaps a new teacher, old and new friends, old and new activities. Parents are running around trying to put together a schedule that includes everyone’s activities.

Do you remember those days when you were going to school? Maybe your life was a bit simpler and you didn’t have so many extra-curricular activities – if any. But how did you feel at the beginning of each school year? Was it easy for you to make friends or were you anxious about it? Were the other kids nice to you or not? How did you deal with it? Were your parents helpful or did they put more attention on your performance as a student?

Why am I asking you all these questions? Because it’s important to put yourself into your child’s shoes and pay attention to their feelings. Are they happy going to or coming back from school? Do they talk about their friends? Perhaps you will notice small changes in their behavior. Instead of taking it personally try to see what the real story is.

It’s not easy for everyone to make friends. My daughter changed school last year and I know she’s still very conscious about making friends. She’s also very sensitive and this tends to complicate things sometimes. Moreover, in her effort to be accepted by her peers she may do or say something she wouldn’t otherwise. This doesn’t help her self-confidence.

So instead of focusing mainly on her academic performance, I try to understand how she feels and try to boost her self-confidence. One way I do this is by using some phrases I have found to be helpful. They may serve you too:

• Your opinion matters.
• It’s absolutely ok to say no.
• Not everyone will like you. And that’s ok.
• You are beautiful just the way you are.

The second and third points may not be so easily accepted even by adults. When they come up during a session some of my clients have a hard time dealing with them. By the way, what kind of feelings do you have while reading these statements? Do you feel comfortable or uncomfortable?

As for me, I wish my parents would have told me these phrases or taught me to think this way when I was a child. They would have saved me from a lot of trouble as these principles apply to all areas of our lives whether we are children or adults – school, work, family, friends, and relationships in general. It’s a great life attitude to have and one that our children will certainly benefit from.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

Envision a world where our children not only excel academically but also possess the invaluable ability to comprehend, manage, and connect with their emotions and those of others. This is not an unattainable dream; it rests within our grasp. In our rapidly evolving society, emotional intelligence has emerged as a pivotal skill for personal and professional success. The question then becomes: How do we instill and nurture emotional intelligence in our children?

Understanding Emotional Intelligence: Psychologist Daniel Goleman defines emotional intelligence through four basic skills:

Cultivating Self-awareness:

• Encourage emotional expression: Foster an environment where a child can express feelings without fear, demonstrating that it's acceptable to experience a range of emotions.
• Label feelings: Teach the child to articulate their emotions, aiding in a better understanding of their emotional state.
• Encourage introspection: Prompt the child to reflect on their feelings and triggers, fostering an association between emotions and specific situations.

Promoting Self-regulation:

• Relaxation Techniques: Introduce simple techniques like deep breathing and counting to ten to empower the child to manage emotions effectively.
• Self-Regulatory Model: Lead by example, demonstrating self-control in your emotional reactions to provide a tangible model for the child.
• Set limits: Establish clear rules and emphasize consequences, highlighting the significance of self-regulation.

Cultivating Empathy:

• Active Listening: Teach the child to actively listen, show interest in others' feelings, and ask questions to comprehend their emotional state.
• Embrace diversity: Encourage participation in activities that expose the child to diverse backgrounds, fostering empathy and understanding.
• Read and discuss books: Select literature that explores different characters and emotions, using stories as a platform to discuss empathy.

Building Social Skills:

• Encourage cooperation: Promote teamwork to teach children cooperation and conflict resolution.
• Role play: Facilitate social interaction practice through role-playing scenarios.
• Offer guidance: Provide advice on appropriate social behaviors such as sharing feelings, taking turns, and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Cultivating emotional intelligence in children is a crucial responsibility for parents and caregivers. By comprehending the psychological components of emotional intelligence and implementing these practical strategies, we empower our children to navigate the complexities of their emotional worlds. As they mature, these skills become assets not only in personal realms but also in education, careers, and relationships.

In a world where emotional intelligence is as highly valued as academic achievement, our children are positioned to thrive and make a positive impact. As parents and caregivers, we play a fundamental role in shaping their emotional landscapes and preparing them for future challenges and opportunities. The journey of cultivating emotional intelligence is not only exciting but also deeply rewarding, endowing our children with a lifelong skill that fosters empathy, resilience, and prosperity.

Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com

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Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!

Parenthood is an extraordinary journey, filled with moments of joy, challenges, and an unwavering desire to provide the best for our children. Naturally, as parents, we yearn for our children's success and happiness. Yet, it's vital to tread carefully and resist projecting our unrealized dreams onto them.

Rather than imposing our unfulfilled aspirations onto our children, let's pause and consider the importance of allowing them to forge their own unique paths, pursue their passions, and find fulfillment on their terms.

In psychology, projection is a defense mechanism where we attribute our thoughts, feelings, or desires to others, often unconsciously. In the context of parenting, projection occurs when we inadvertently burden our children with our unresolved issues, unmet needs, or desires, shaping how we perceive their abilities, goals, and life choices.

To avoid projecting onto our children, we must first acknowledge and understand our dreams and unmet needs. Reflecting on our experiences, aspirations, and disappointments fosters self-awareness, preventing us from inadvertently imposing our unfulfilled desires onto our children.

Every child is a unique individual with their own talents, interests, and dreams. Our role as parents is not to mold them into replicas of ourselves but to provide a nurturing environment where they can explore their passions and develop their identities freely.

Creating an environment of open communication allows our children to express their thoughts, feelings, and aspirations without fear of judgment. By actively listening to them, we gain insight into their goals and can offer guidance that aligns with their true selves.

While it's natural to feel pride in our children's accomplishments, we must refrain from using their successes to validate our worth. Our focus should be solely on their growth and development, not on fulfilling our personal desires through them.

Instead of dictating their future, we offer unwavering support and guidance as they explore various opportunities. Empowering them to make choices based on their interests and values cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Failure is an inevitable part of life, and our children's journey may not always align with our expectations. Embracing their failures, forgiving their mistakes, and accepting them unconditionally builds resilience and fosters growth.

Raising children is undoubtedly challenging, requiring a delicate balance between guiding them and granting them the freedom to discover themselves. Ultimately, the most fulfilling journey is the one they choose for themselves.

Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com

Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!

In a contemporary landscape dominated by screens and inundated with digital diversions, instilling in our children the significance of reading holds more weight than ever before. Beyond the mere acquisition of information or the enjoyment of a captivating narrative, reading stands as a foundational pillar for cognitive growth, emotional acumen, and social interaction. As parents, it becomes imperative to grasp the psychological dynamics of reading and its profound influence on the evolving minds of our children.

Cognitive development emerges as a paramount aspect of growth, laying the groundwork for future learning and problem-solving abilities. Through the act of reading, various regions of the brain are stimulated, bolstering language proficiency, comprehension, and critical thinking capacities. As children immerse themselves in literary worlds, their imaginations soar, nurturing creativity and abstract reasoning. By regularly delving into books, they fortify cognitive processes, enhancing memory retention and the capacity for information assimilation, which is crucial for academic achievements both in school and beyond.

Moreover, reading cultivates empathy by offering children the opportunity to inhabit the perspectives of diverse characters, vicariously experiencing the world through their eyes. As they traverse the pages of a book, encountering individuals from varied backgrounds and cultures, they foster a deeper appreciation for human emotions and experiences. This empathic insight not only enriches their interpersonal connections but also fosters compassion and tolerance, contributing to the cultivation of an inclusive society.

Furthermore, reading plays a pivotal role in shaping social conduct and moral discernment. Through literature, children are prompted to confront moral quandaries and societal dilemmas, thereby honing critical reflection and ethical deliberation. By grappling with complex issues and contemplating the repercussions of characters' actions, they develop a moral compass and ethical decision-making prowess essential for navigating adulthood.

As parents, a myriad of strategies exist to instill in our children a passion for reading and harness its transformative potential. Firstly, we must lead by example, integrating reading into our daily routine, whether through shared bedtime stories or dedicated family reading sessions. Establishing a cozy reading nook at home, stocked with a diverse array of books tailored to the child's interests and reading level, can further encourage literary engagement.

Additionally, fostering dialogue about the books they peruse proves invaluable. By posing open-ended inquiries that stimulate critical thinking and introspection, such as "How do you suppose the character felt in that situation?" or "What alternative choices might have been made?" we encourage them to articulate their insights, fostering a deeper connection with the material and active participation in the literary realm.

Furthermore, infusing reading with elements of fun and interactivity enhances its appeal. Experimenting with various genres, exploring diverse storytelling techniques, and incorporating multimedia platforms like audiobooks or digital reading apps cater to individual preferences, fostering a genuine enjoyment of reading. Encouraging children to explore their passions through literature and providing avenues for them to share their discoveries with others further bolsters their enthusiasm for reading.

In conclusion, the endeavor of imparting the value of reading to our children transcends the mere transmission of knowledge. By prioritizing reading in our daily lives, engaging in meaningful discourse about literature, and fostering a nurturing environment conducive to reading at home, we equip our children with the tools and knowledge necessary to flourish in an ever-evolving world.

Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com

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Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!

One of a parent’s greatest dreams is for their child to be happy. For many, happiness seems elusive and subjective. But could it be simpler than we think? What if we could secure our children's happiness?

Let’s address this question with a profound truth: parents wield enormous influence over their children's emotional well-being. The parental impact on shaping children’s happiness is well-documented and has transformative potential.

Let’s explore the various ways parents hold the key to cultivating their children's capacity for lasting happiness and fulfillment!

Being the Example

Children are keen observers, absorbing not just words but actions and behaviors of their parents. Thus, one of the most powerful ways parents can teach happiness is by experiencing it themselves. By cultivating our own sense of well-being, engaging in activities that bring us joy, and practicing gratitude, we become living examples of happiness. When children see their parents happy, they learn resilience, optimism, and zest for life, internalizing happiness and laying the foundation for their own emotional well-being.

Emotional Intelligence: The Power of Connection

Emotional intelligence is a crucial predictor of a child's long-term happiness. By promoting skills of open communication, empathy, and emotional regulation, parents equip their children with the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and grace. Encouraging children to express their emotions freely, validating their feelings, and providing a safe space to explore their inner world fosters a sense of emotional security and self-awareness, essential for happiness.

Positive Environment: Planting the Seeds of Happiness

The environment serves as the fertile ground where children's emotional well-being takes root and flourishes. Parents can create a positive atmosphere by infusing daily interactions with warmth, affection, and encouragement. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, and offering support and reassurance during tough times cultivates a sense of competence and confidence in children, boosting their self-esteem and resilience. Additionally, creating bonding rituals—such as family meals, shared activities, or bedtime routines—fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens family ties, promoting feelings of happiness and security.

Loving Imperfections

In the pursuit of happiness, it's important for parents to embrace their children’s imperfections as an integral part of growth. Recognizing and learning from mistakes, reframing challenges as growth opportunities, and demonstrating compassion show that failures are a natural part of life’s journey. This way, parents instill a positive and resilient mindset in their children, allowing them to live with optimism and courage—fundamental pillars of happiness.

As parents, it is our responsibility to create an environment where our children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and learn from both successes and failures. Through our actions and behaviors, we have the power to shape their perceptions of themselves and the world around them.

Let’s embark on the parenting journey with intention, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to cultivating a legacy of happiness that will endure for generations. In doing so, we not only ensure our children’s well-being but also contribute to creating a brighter future for all.

In a world that often emphasizes conformity and fitting into various molds and stereotypes, teaching our children the importance of self-love is more than necessary. In an era dominated by social media where comparison is just a click away, it’s more crucial than ever to empower young people to embrace their uniqueness. We must teach them that everyone is different in their own beautiful way, and this very diversity brings color to a life meant to be vibrant, not dull, monochrome, or gray.

Self-Love: The Cornerstone of Psychological Well-Being

We often confuse self-love with narcissism, but while the latter is a personality disorder, the former is the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life. Self-love is not about self-obsession or vanity; rather, it is essential for cultivating a positive relationship with oneself.

Numerous studies have revealed the tangible benefits of self-love. Individuals who cultivate self-love tend to have higher self-esteem, emotional well-being, and improved overall welfare. When people love and accept themselves, they see themselves as valuable, capable, and worthy of happiness, which in turn enhances their confidence in various aspects of life.

Most importantly, self-love plays a critical role in strengthening mental resilience. When children love themselves, they develop an inner strength and confidence that helps them respond to life's challenges. They become less dependent on external validation, making them more adaptable and better equipped to handle setbacks.

Teaching Self-Love to Our Children

Be Role Models: Children learn by observing the adults in their lives. If we love ourselves and demonstrate it through strategies like positive self-talk, our children will follow suit.

Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe environment for children to express their thoughts and feelings without fear. Encourage them to talk about their insecurities and fears, and provide empathetic, non-judgmental support.

Promote Self-Discovery: Every child needs to embark on a journey of self-discovery, and the role of every parent and guardian is to be a companion, not a captain. Children will discover their interests, likes and dislikes, and dreams for the future on their own. We should encourage them to engage in activities that bring them joy and a sense of fulfillment, celebrating their achievements, no matter how small.

Limit Negative Influences: Childhood is generally a very fragile period, and a child’s self-perception can be negatively affected by external factors like social media. Talk to children and teach them to use critical thinking to reject unrealistic beauty standards and ideals of success.

Provide Unconditional Love: Attachment theory highlights the importance of a secure emotional base from which children explore the world and, by extension, themselves. Remind children that your love is unwavering and not dependent on their achievements or behavior. Only then will they learn to love themselves, day by day.

Incorporating these strategies into our parenting is vital for instilling the value of self-love in children. This lays the foundation for a more confident and emotionally healthy future.

As we embark on this journey together, we must remember that self-love is not just about feeling good about ourselves. It is an ongoing process that equips us with the courage and resilience to face difficulties, and it is the only way to achieve true happiness!