7. Give them room to grow.
Your kids are individuals, which means that even if they look like a mini version of you, they are not you. They are not anyone but themselves. They need to learn to make their own choices (yes, even if they are different choices than you would have made) and they need to feel a sense of independence.
8. Don’t put pressure on them.
There’s encouragement and then there’s pressure. And one of these tactics is much more effective than the other. You guessed it: pressure can lead to kids who constantly feel trapped, unhappy and like they are not good enough. Encouragement can help your kids feel safe, secure, supported and can give them the push they need to achieve their goals (not yours). Remember, it’s your job to nurture your kids’ interests and talents, not force their success.
