As parents, many of us want our children to be “lucky”—lucky in health, relationships, learning, and life. But in reality, this “luck” doesn’t come from fate or coincidence. It is the result of intentional and mindful parenting—parents who are attentive, take action, and truly understand their child’s needs. The following 7 ways to make your child feel lucky to have you as their parents are key to creating a “lucky” life for them.
7 Ways to Make Your Child Feel Lucky to Have You as Their Parents
1. Build a Secure Parent-Child Bond: The Foundation of Luck
Research by psychologist John Bowlby, developer of Attachment Theory, shows that secure relationships during childhood impact long-term mental health and the ability to form healthy relationships. Parents who show love, warmth, and emotional support help their children develop inner security, self-confidence, and the resilience to face life’s challenges effectively.
Examples include:
- Hugs and understanding conversations
- Listening and responding to your child’s feelings
- Creating quality time together that isn’t dependent on technology
These activities help children feel accepted and valued, which directly influences their emotional and social development in the long run.
2. Encourage a Growth Mindset for Lifelong Development
The concept of Growth Mindset, developed by renowned psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes the belief that abilities and skills can be developed through effort and learning—not just from innate talent. This mindset motivates children to keep learning and improving.
Parents can encourage a Growth Mindset by:
- Praising effort instead of just intelligence, e.g., “Mom/Dad loves how you didn’t give up and kept trying until you succeeded.”
- Supporting your child in trying new things, even if they fail sometimes
- Teaching them to analyze mistakes and learn from them
Studies show that children with a Growth Mindset handle problems and stress better than those with a Fixed Mindset (who believe abilities are static).
3. Be a Good Role Model: Children Learn from Their Parents
Children imitate the behaviors and values of those closest to them, especially their parents. Psychologist Albert Bandura, through his Social Learning Theory, demonstrated that children learn behaviors by observing and mimicking the adults around them.
Therefore, parents should set a positive example in emotional regulation, problem-solving, showing respect, and fulfilling responsibilities.
Good examples include:
- Speaking politely and showing patience
- Setting goals and working diligently
- Showing love and care for others
These behaviors are subconsciously absorbed by children and later reflected in their own actions.
4. Create an Environment that Supports Learning and Development
Child development research shows that a nurturing environment plays a critical role in stimulating the brain and supporting emotional growth. Parents should provide a safe space, age-appropriate toys and learning materials, and encourage free, creative play. For example:
- Reading books together
- Playing games that enhance analytical thinking
- Outdoor activities to develop motor skills and coordination
A well-designed environment fosters curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
5. Effective Communication: The Key to Understanding and Strong Relationships
Research shows that quality communication between parents and children reduces stress and builds trust within the family. Parents should practice active listening and have open conversations, rather than immediately judging or lecturing. Asking open-ended questions like “How was school today?” or “How do you feel about this?” encourages children to open up and develop healthy communication skills.
6. Encourage Responsibility and Decision-Making Independence
Child behavior research shows that giving children the opportunity to make small decisions helps develop their analytical thinking and sense of responsibility.
Examples include:
- Letting them choose their own clothes
- Letting them decide whether to do homework before or after playtime
- Letting them be responsible for daily tasks like tidying up their toys
Allowing children to make mistakes and learn from them is essential in helping them grow into confident, responsible adults.
7. Take Holistic Care of Physical and Mental Health
Parents should pay attention to both their child’s physical and mental well-being. Healthy children have more energy, focus, and motivation to learn and play.
- Provide balanced and nutritious meals
- Encourage regular physical activity
- Ensure they get enough sleep
- Prioritize rest and stress relief
Medical research shows that children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience learning and behavioral issues.
The True Way to Make Your Child Feel Lucky to Have You as Their Parent
Being the kind of parent who makes their child feel lucky takes intention, learning, and continuous growth. By building a secure relationship, promoting a growth mindset, setting a good example, creating a supportive environment, communicating effectively, giving space for decision-making, and taking care of their health—parents can raise happy, confident children who are ready to face life’s challenges. That’s what true luck looks like for a child: having parents who lead with heart and wisdom.
Originally published on theAsianparent Thailand
