Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Spring 2016 | Page 41

children as they come to know what to expect and can feel safe in approaching and discussing any concerns with us. Tip #2: Know What Behaviours are Expected at a Given Age We are better able to help our chil- dren if we know what the appropriate developmental milestones are, and what behaviors are reasonable to expect. This knowledge enables us to respond better to our children’s needs, and can also help us to identify problems. The signs of emotional health vary with age, and what is appropriate at one age (e.g. temper tantrums) may be a sign of a problem when it occurs consistently at another age. If we become concerned about our child’s behavior, it’s best to talk it over with their physician, and seek professional help as early as possible. Tip #3: Spend Quality Time with Your Child Our lives are very busy and somewhat complicated, but it is important that we find a way, each and every day, to pause, spend time with and be present with our children to find out how their day was – what went well, what didn’t go so well, what their concerns, fears and hopes are, and how we can help. There is noth- ing that can replace this connection time, and we can be assured that if we don’t make the time, there will be cer- tainly be something else that will fill the void. This time and sharing provides an opportunity for us to teach our children how to reflect on the present, building inner peace and a solid foundation for their long-term emotional health. Tip #4: Nurture the Attitude of Gratitude Both expressing and feeling gratitude are important parts of life. Over the past decade, hundreds of studies have documented the social, physical, and psychological benefits of gratitude. Gratitude has two parts – first is the acknowledgement of the good things in the world, the gifts and benefits re- ceived. The second is the acknowledge- ment that the source of goodness lies outside of one’s self and in other peo- ple, even higher powers that provide the many gifts, big and small, in our lives. Practicing gratitude has proven to be one of the most reliable methods for increasing happiness and satisfaction, and reducing anxiety and depression. Gratitude strengthens relationships, making us feel closer and more com- mitted to those around us. From the outset, a parent’s modeling of gratitude is key. Toddlers can be taught to say thank you when they receive assistance or a gift from someone. By primary school, we can encourage our children to reflect on their day and share one thing they are grateful for daily, for example at dinner time, or by creat- ing a ‘gratitude list’ or ‘gratitude jar’. Gratitude encourages us not only to ap- preciate our gifts but to repay them or pay them forward. Studies suggest that when 10-19 year olds practice gratitude, they report greater life satisfaction and more positive emotion, and they feel more connected to their community. Let’s share this precious gift. Horizon Plan The New BF&M Horizon Profiles Whether it’s your retirement, your child’s education, or your first house, you have a time frame for achieving your investment goals. BF&M Investment Service is licensed to conduct investment business by the BMA under the Investment Business Act of 2003. The BF&M Horizon Profiles provide a simple investment solution allowing you to select a profile based on when you need your funds. The profiles automatically become more conservative as your financial time horizon nears. The Horizon Profiles make your investment selection easy and provide you with an optimal asset mix at each stage in your investment timeline. For more information call 295-5566. BF&M GENERAL | BF&M LIFE 112 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM 08, Bermuda 295-5566 [email protected] www.bfm.bm www.bermudaparent.bm 39