15 Ways to Break Down Walls In Your Relationship

September 29, 2016 by Power of Positivity

It is a cruel and unforgiving world out there. Dog eat dog, survive the fittest, and go the spoils to the victor. Sometimes we feel safe behind fortified walls; we shelter in a safe harbor away from the fierce and uncaring sea. Sometimes we do this in our relationships out of fear, doubt, anger, or shame. We fear being hurt, again and again. We doubt our self-worth or that anyone could ever love us. As a result, we are angry that we are not where we thought we would be in life or who we thought we would be with. Sometimes, we are even ashamed of our failures and missteps along the way.

These emotions and feelings build thick defensive barriers between us and everyone else. These walls may keep us safe, but then again, so does a cage. We can only live a genuinely fulfilling life through accepting some risks and acting decisively when the time comes to do so. A ship is safe at anchor in a protected harbor, but that is not what ships should do.

Fifteen Habits to Build a More Authentic Relationship

Here are fifteen ways to break down the walls in your relationships holding you a prisoner.

1. Overcome Fear with Courage

We fear being hurt or missing a golden opportunity. We fear failure. Fear is our greatest enemy and always has been. Fear will prevent you from acting decisively when you need to. Furthermore, fear will cloud your judgment and push you to make false assumptions about people. Courageous people do not lack fear. They are scared out of their minds like everyone else. The key is not letting fear guide your actions. Push the fear to the back of your mind. Act. Act despite your fear.

You would be surprised at what you can accomplish even when afraid. That beautiful woman/man that you want to approach and talk to but can’t seem to muster the courage? Well, get over there and talk to them. What have you got to lose? Rejection? Well, you aren’t with them now, so what does it matter? And if you do manage to talk to them, you could win their heart. You can’t win anything without courage—the courage to try.

2. Banish Doubt with True Grit

Everyone has doubts–our ability, our partner, our attractiveness, and our worth. If we have doubts and know ourselves the best, why should anyone else believe in us? Be honest about your abilities and weaknesses, and then use your courage to try something. Keep trying until you succeed. The act of perseverance when all the odds are against you is a mark of true grit. True grit is the ability to keep going no matter what. I am sure you had heard it from your father when he said, “Suck it up and keep going.” That is what it means to have true grit. You take the punches and keep moving forward. You keep moving forward because that is how winning is done. Sometimes all your partner wants you to do is try, not to succeed, but to make an effort.

3. Release Shame and Embrace Acceptance

There are things in everyone’s past that cause shame. Sometimes, we are ashamed of who we are inside. Or perhaps we feel shame about our jobs or education. Sometimes we are ashamed of our circumstances or mistakes. The critical thing is that shame holds you down in a hard pit to escape. The only way to escape is to accept yourself and your circumstances. Accept your partner and all of their baggage as well. Once you accept all of that, then you can start moving forward. Do not hold mistakes or events in your past against yourself or your partner. Today is a new day. Yesterday is gone and done. There is nothing you can do to change the past, but you can start changing your future.

4. Refuse Judgment of Others or Yourself

Once you have accepted your past and your partner’s past, you can refuse judgment of yourself and refuse to judge them. Being overly critical of past mistakes is counterproductive and damaging to an excellent long-term relationship. If you find yourself keeping score or holding onto grudges, you are part of the problem. People screw up, even you. Sitting in judgment of them is not your place and does nothing to strengthen the relationship. That is not to say you should not have standards or embrace unacceptable behavior, but if someone is honestly trying to start fresh and better themselves, including yourself, then reminding them of their failures does not move the relationship forward. It moves it backward.

5. Let Go of Resentment and Embrace Love

We resent people or situations because we are angry with them. Being angry always wears you down and adversely affects all of your relationships. No one wants to be with someone angry and resentful all the time. Let go of it. Let go of it because you refuse to judge others for their past, and you have released your shame and accepted yourself the way you are. Embrace your love for yourself and others. Use that love to build yourself up, build up your partner and build up the foundation of the relationship. Eventually, you will build that foundation so much that you have buried the walls between you.

6. Good communication

Good communication breaks down walls in any relationship. Of course, good communication is more than talking to someone. It’s asking them good questions, maintaining eye contact, and staying focused on what’s being said. Good communicators avoid bad habits that build walls in a relationship.

Not focused: Looking at your phone or walking out of a room while your partner is talking signals you’re not interested in what they have to say.
Giving unwanted advice: Don’t be the answer person to your partner. Hold your thoughts and opinions while they’re sharing. Only advise if they express a desire to hear what you think.
Judging: Don’t assume you know your partner’s motives. Don’t criticize them. This is sure to put up some walls in your relationship. Please give them the benefit of the doubt and assume the best about them. Treat them how you like to be treated.

7. Show respect

When you show your partner respect, the walls in our relationship will come down. Showing respect means you acknowledge they have feelings and opinions that may differ from you, and that’s okay. You respect them for who they are rather than wanting them to be like you. If you’re going to break down the walls, practice these respectful habits.

Show compassion in word and deed.
Admit when you’re wrong
No hurtful name-calling
Be patient
Take responsibility
Be quick to forgive without holding it over them
No eye-rolls, heavy frustrated sighs, or other actions to display your irritation

8. Be a good listener

A good listener is an active listener. When your partner is talking to you, look into their eyes, lean forward, and give them your full attention. Being an active listener improves your communication, but according to researchers, it can enhance the happiness in your relationship. If you want to break down the walls of your relationship, develop your listening skills.

9. Show emotional support

Showing your partner emotional support means you will be with them in the good and wrong times. You care about how they feel, and when they’re sad or frustrated, you look for ways to support them. Displaying emotional support means asking your partner good questions to draw them out about their feelings, such as:

How did that make you feel when your brother said that to you?
When your boss did that, how did you react?
How does work worry you the most?
How did it feel when you got passed over for the promotion?
Can I support you more during this challenging time?

Even if you think you know how your partner feels about something, it never hurts to ask. It might surprise you what they’re feeling.

10. Be honest

Relationships have their ups and downs. You don’t always “feel in love” with your partner. Sometimes your partner makes you mad or sad. It doesn’t cancel your love or commitment. Being honest enough to say I’m struggling right now is good. Blame shifting and ranting at your partner is never a good idea. Words damage, and once something is out of your mouth. It’s impossible to take it back. Communicate honestly but kindly, and remember that difficulties come and go. This is the best way to break down walls in our relationship.

11. Forgive without strings

No one enjoys it when someone says they forgive you, but keep bringing up what you did. An ancient text says it well.

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9 NLT)

If you want to break down the walls in our relationship, be willing to forgive. Remember that you make mistakes so you can forgive your partner. Without forgiveness, the walls will never come down. Be sure to vocalize your forgiveness rather than pretending nothing happened. This is unauthentic. Take the time to talk about what happened and express your forgiveness. Be sure to apologize for any contributions you made to the incident.

12. Show gratitude

Expressing gratitude is a sure way to break down walls in your relationship. Showing gratitude for your partner builds positivity in your relationship. It makes your partner feel appreciated. You can show your partner gratitude through your words and your actions.

13. Be careful what you text

Lots of conversations with your partner happen via emails and texts. Be sure to consider what to say and how it may come across. It’s easy to misread someone’s attitudes behind a text or email. Even the most benign text can be received wrong if you’re not careful to fill in details.

14. Show patience

Your partner isn’t perfect, but so what, neither are you. Choose your battles in your relationship. Are you willing to yell at your partner because they throw their clothes on the floor? Is it worth it? Show them patience by your words and actions. Let go of your anger and bitterness. These are unproductive attitudes that put walls up. Talk about problems, but show kindness, care, and, most of all, patience.

15. Show affection

Healthy relationships are built on the appreciation. Hugs, a sweet caress, or a tender kiss before you leave for work tell your partner you love them. Things that you can do to break down walls in your relationship with affection include:

Lots of hugs
Kisses when you get home from work and when you leave
Holding hands in public
Smiling across the room at your partner
Little gifts
Checking in via text or phone call
Saying, “I love you.”

Final Thoughts on Breaking Down Walls in Your Relationship

You must be intentional if you want to break down walls in our relationship. You can kick down these walls with good communication, good listening skills, and showing emotional support. Express your gratitude to your partner and show them affection every day. Having a healthy relationship is worth the effort. Getting the walls out of the way will allow your strong, healthy, and authentic connection to flourish.

5 Ways to Move On When Life Isn’t Fair

September 29, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Someone or something always has the advantage, and there are usually two options: think negatively, or positively about it. We do best when we take responsibility for our actions, identify the problem, make a plan to fix the problem and then work on the plan.

The last thing you need to do is understand that not everything is under your control. Sometimes, you just gotta roll with the punches until you spot the opportunity to make progress.

When life isn’t fair, these 5 things can help you move on

1. Identify the Problem

The first thing you need to do when confronted with an obstacle in your path is to identify what the problem really is. Is it a broken part that needs replacing and bad employee that needs firing, or a personal emotional issue that needs to be addressed? Figure out what is causing the problem in your life. This may require us to face some very uncomfortable truths about ourselves, because maybe our own decisions or judgment is the problem. Be ruthless at this stage. Stop at nothing to identify the root causes of the problem in your life.

2. Devise a Solution

Once you have identified the issue that is causing the problem in your life, you have to figure out a way to overcome that problem. Do you lack financing for your new business? Find a way to improve your credit rating, tighten up your business plan or reduce costs during the startup period. Did you fail to get that promotion due to a lack of education or experience? Then find a way to get the experience you need through training programs, internships or volunteering. Need more education? Then take a course a semester in the evenings until you get that degree or certification. Every problem has a solution, but sometimes the solution is another problem on its own.

Work your way down the tree until you find the root cause, then start remedying that one first. Take it step-by-step, and before you know it, you will know what you need to do. Plan in detail and make backup plans in case you need to change direction on the fly. Shoot holes in your plan. Get others to shoot holes in your plan, then go about making changes to the plan to make it as bullet proof as possible.

3. Work the Plan

Once you have identified the root cause of the problem in your life and have started working on a solution to fix it or go around it, then you can start working the plan. Working the plan requires discipline and determination. Adjust your plan for issues that come up when they come up, but stay the course. Don’t lose sight of your ultimate objective. Stay laser focused on your goals. You have spent a lot of time coming up with this plan and you want to stick with it as much as possible, but no plan survives contact with the enemy. Be prepared to alter course or change the method of success, but never give up. Press through difficulties and keep your eye on the prize.

4. Accept Help from Others

If you get in a bind or find yourself in a situation you cannot get out of, then don’t be afraid to accept help from others. We succeed often as a team. Just like you would not hesitate to help a friend or loved one with their project or issue, then let them do the same for you. We all stand on the shoulders of giants, and others will at some point stand on our shoulders as well. We advance as a civilization by the very fact that we help each other and cooperate so effectively.

5. Understanding Control

The last thing is to accept that there are things in this universe that are out of our control and cannot be planned for. Sometimes, things just happen for no rational reason. Accept responsibility for the things that are under your direct control or influence and nothing else. If there is nothing humanly possible that you can do about it, then let go of it. You can only be expected to predict those things that are predictable. When the unpredictable happens, ride it like a wave. You cannot stop the wave, but you can make the wave work for you or against you.

10 Things Healthy People Do Differently

September 28, 2016 by Power of Positivity

What comes to mind when we close our eyes and try to imagine a “healthy” person? Maybe eating right, working out hard, calisthenics, protein shakes, portion control…you get the idea.

And make no mistake, most healthy people do some or all of these things. But it may surprise some of us how much about a healthy person we actually don’t know. It turns out that many of these folks aren’t “gym rats” or “calorie counters.” They actually take a much more deliberate, measured approach in how they tend to their physical and mental health.

So, how do they do this exactly? Well, as with many things, methods are highly individualized. However, there are some interesting (and highly-effective) traits of healthy people that some of us may want to emulate.

We discuss 10 inconspicuous things that healthy people do differently:

1. They listen to their body

Make no mistake, doctors are incredibly intelligent people. However, they are prone to be wrong from time to time. Healthy people are very holistic in terms of the regimens they subscribe to; along with who’s advice they seek. Additionally, healthy people understand that they body feels a way for a certain reason. Put another way, the body can signal when something needs to be eaten at a certain time.

2. They don’t fad diet

Fad diets (see: Atkins, South Beach…) have the potential to sell false hope. “Being in a diet,” in itself, really isn’t a good thing! Need proof? It’s estimated, depending on the source, that a scant 3-5 percent of people that lose weight via a fad diet actually keep the weight off!

The old cliché “it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle” is actually pretty darn accurate.

3. They prioritize time in the kitchen…

In a society where so much emphasis is placed on convenience, it’s very difficult to eat healthy on the regular. Healthy people – many of them as busy as most everyone else – find ways to cook their meals at home. More importantly, however, they cook the right foods at home.

4. Then they stay away from the restaurants/bars/burger joints

Well, 99 percent of the time anyways (see #10). Seriously, most restaurant, bar and burger joint food is utter garbage. Delicious garbage, maybe, but garbage nonetheless. It goes without saying, but consuming these foods is tremendously counterproductive to our health.

5. They consider the “true cost” of food

Fruits and veggies aside, some healthy foods can be a bit costlier. The reason is really simple. Most bagged foods we see (e.g. chips) and boxed foods (e.g. frozen lunches) are mass-produced using the cheapest available ingredients – including mass amounts of chemicals, additives and preservatives. Meanwhile, real natural and whole foods contain very little of these things, and are sourced responsibly. Of course, the latter is much healthier than the former.

But healthy people consider the “true cost” of food – what it does to their bodies – more-so than the numbers on the price tag.

6. They “eat clean”

Healthy people are very conscious of the ingredients in foods; often choosing to spend a bit more to get higher-quality products (see above). “Eating clean” is a term used to describe this: choosing foods minimal in ingredients and maximize potential health benefits.

7. They stay away from processed foods

Most “ready-to-eat” foods are highly-processed. This really is no different than injecting ourselves with a bunch of unknown substances. While food preservatives are important to the masses, they are considered detrimental by many healthy people.

Quite simply, it is very possible consume only foods with minimal processing if efforts are made to do so.

8. They shop around the aisles

Aisles are where all the “garbage” food is. Look around at a supermarket the next time you’re there. First, walk the perimeter of the store and note what you see. Then, walk down each aisle within the same market. Fruits, vegetables, seafood, dairy, lean meats…all of these foods are located around the aisles. Within the aisles? Potato chips, soda, frozen meals, desserts, etc.

9. They eat a lot (really!)

As mentioned prior, health people listen to their bodies. Therefore, they will not hesitate to satisfy their cravings when need be. Healthy people talk often about eating 5 or 6 meals a day, with snacks in-between.

So, healthy people eat a lot. The differences are: (a) they have a built taste for healthy food, so this is the food they’ll reach for, and (b) they metabolize much of their food quality because they are healthy.

10. They don’t deprive themselves

Deprivation is not a healthy characteristic. It is important to make a distinction between deprivation and desire when it comes to health. Healthy people don’t deprive themselves of anything…quite the contrary, actually. They have a voracious desire to eat right, eat clean, eat often, and completely understand what they put into their bodies.

“No matter how old you are, no matter how much you weigh, you can still control the health of your body.” – Dr. Mehmet Oz

21 Actions That Show Your Partner Isn’t Interested Anymore

September 28, 2016 by Power of Positivity

As we are all well aware, a relationship is a two-way street; there has to be a mutual and foundational understanding for the entire thing to work out. If this foundational mutual interest does not exist, the relationship will likely deteriorate to a point where it is beyond repair.

Perhaps the most challenging scenario is when one person in the relationship cannot make things work despite all their best efforts. Understandably, this person will often safeguard their emotions by unconsciously enabling denial. “Ah, it’s only temporary” or “He/She will come around.” This is not always the case, however, which is the point of this article.

“I’m not interested in trying to work on people’s perceptions. I am who I am, and if you don’t take the time to learn about that, then your perception is going to be your problem.” – Jim Brown, Former NFL Football Player

We’ll discuss several signs – 21 to be exact – that may indicate that your partner isn’t interested any longer.

21 Signs Your Partner Isn’t Interested Anymore

Here they are, in no particular order.

1. They are always “too busy”

Two people in a healthy relationship always make time for each other, almost without exception. This is evident during conversations when they will quickly disengage and fire some random, unmerited excuse about having to do “something important.”

2. They’re around more when they want something

Many humans are inherently selfish creatures, but a disinterested partner becomes a bit more selfish than most. They have no problem ignoring you 90 percent of the time, but the remaining 10 percent is when they “really need” something. Anger ensues.

3. They’re non-communicative

Communication that is non-existent or highly sporadic is a clear sign of disinterest. After all, who doesn’t want communication with a person they care about?

4. They always talk about themselves…

When there is communication, the topic of discussion always seems to focus on them. This is perhaps most evident when they are on a tirade of something burdensome, like work.

5. …while taking little interest in your life

“How was your day?” is a phrase no longer incorporated by the disinterested one. Instead, they remember they’re disinterested and either shut down or redirect the conversation to numero uno.

6. They’re very controlling

This is borderline abuse, plain and simple. See, they’re not actually interested in you, but they are interested in controlling you. It’s despicable behavior that should signal the victim to run the other way.

7. They’re incessantly blameful

Continuously blaming someone else without merit is often an intentional act to push someone away. It’s cowardly and, again, borderline abusive.

8. They’re frequently disrespectful

Ugh…yeah… someone that isn’t interested anymore can get downright nasty in their mannerisms and other behaviors. Again, this is their character flaw, not yours.

9. They seem to change you…for the worse

It’s not uncommon for someone on the receiving end of a disinterested person’s mischiefs to feel changed. As a result, you may find that you smile less, are more lethargic, and so on. A very unfortunate realization, indeed.

10. They disregard your value

This one truly is troubling. A person that is (1) lacking basic decency and (2) categorically disinterested will have no trouble in devaluing someone else; even someone they used to “care” about.

11. They don’t bother including you

Oh, you used to hang out with each other’s friends? Not anymore. They got a promotion and didn’t tell you? It shouldn’t be a surprise…they’re already disengaged.

12. They’re heavy on the excuses

Similar to empty apologies, excuses are thrown around when we lack any motivation to abstain from such behavior. An interested person doesn’t issue meaningless excuses.

13. They seem less concerned about your welfare

When we truly care for someone else, we make it a priority to concern ourselves with their welfare. Heck, even a stranger can sympathize or empathize with someone else. This is disrespect to the highest degree.

14. They begin ignoring your inner circle

This doesn’t always take place, but ignoring/disrespecting/avoiding your inner circle is an intentional act. It’s effective at provoking anger.

15. They issue empty apologies

Episodes of empty apologies seem to be on a loop when one begins to feel disinterested. It’s simple really: they don’t find it necessary to put meaning behind their words anymore. Kind of similar to how you’re sorry when arriving late at work…if that makes sense.

16. They seem to “forget” a lot

Especially concerning things that they used to remember. When this happens, it is almost assuredly a sign of disinterest. When we’re not engaged, we tend to “hear” more often than listen.

17. There’s a lot of sex, but not much more

“Friends with benefits” doesn’t apply here, as you’re supposed to be considered much more. When casual sexual encounters are frequent, but true intimacy isn’t, it speaks volumes about their real intentions.

18. They’re non-committal

When the other person evades anything in regards to commitment, it’s generally not a very good sign. The only exception to this rule is if you’ve been dating for a short period of time while discussing the future together. Other than this caveat, the other person just isn’t interested much.

19. They treat others better than you

The lady at the local grocery store bagging your stuff seems to get better treatment than you do. When he or she is cordial to seemingly everyone else but you, it’s a sign that things are disintegrating quickly.

20. They’re cheating

This one kind of goes without saying. Cheating is a sign of complacency at best and a sign of complete disinterest at worst. Either way, it shouldn’t be tolerated.

21. You always seem to be crying

This is the unfortunate result of any number of behaviors listed here. Feelings get hurt, people get upset, and tears are shed. However, if this happens frequently, it’s time to move on.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Four Unique Salts That Can Actually Improve Your Health

September 28, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Modern society’s overreliance on processed foods has negated many of the health benefits of minerals. This is also the case with sodium, or salt. While the ubiquitous table salts we consume don’t contain sufficient minerals, natural and unprocessed salts do. Of course, these salts also have the added benefit of making many dishes tastier.

Natural salts contain what are known as trace minerals; minerals that are essential to health but are not commonly consumed. There is a total of 93 trace minerals, and natural salts contain a heavy dose of them.

Here, we take a look at four salt varieties that are healthy and taste really good. Additionally, we’ll discuss some of the myriad health benefits and uses of natural salts.

Four Unique Salts That Can Actually Improve Your Health

Salt #1: Black Indian Salt

“Black salt,” or Kala Namak as it is known in areas throughout India, is frequently used as a spice in Indian and Ayurveda cooking. Interestingly, black salt isn’t black at all. The colors of this delicious ingredient range from a dark-pink hue to a dark violet.

Black salt contains a number of health benefits, but it perhaps most well-known for its detoxification properties. Kala Namak is also terrific for the skin, and is believed to help stimulate hair growth. Some people also state that black salt helps with gastritis.

Black salt has a pungent and distinct aroma, and it said to be a great additive to soups and salads.

Salt #2: Hawaiian Red Volcanic Salt

Hawaiian red volcanic salt contains 80 of the 93 available trace minerals, making it one of the most nutrient-dense natural salts on this list. Hawaiians adamantly believe that this natural salt contains potent healing and detoxification properties, and for years has been used in ceremonial rituals such as purification practices.

While the name may seem hyperbolic, the salt contains a high red volcanic clay concentration. Called alaea by Hawaiian natives, this natural salt is distinctly pink in color.

In terms of dietary uses, Hawaiian red volcanic salt has been used as a natural preservative for many years, particularly in Hawaii. The mesmerizing color and bold flavor has made it a preferred salt for many chefs around the globe. Its use is also incredibly varied; people use it with all kinds of dishes, and even as a topping for ice cream and other desserts.

Salt #3: Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt

In addition to being another nutrient-dense natural salt, Himalayan pink crystal salt is a history lesson in itself. The product is extracted from antiquated sea bed deposits that are nearly 250 million years old. The salt contains 84 trace minerals and exhibits a wonderful rose color.

Compared to other salts on this list, Himalayan salt is quite mellow in flavor. As such, it is a very flexible culinary ingredient. The salt is used for cooking, curing and searing. In terms of food combinations, its light flavor makes it ideal for a topping on any number of foods.

Himalayan salt, as mentioned, is a powerful detoxifier. It’s often used for salt baths, as it is believed to stimulate circulation and relax muscles. Plus, according to this study, it can actually lower blood pressure. Pretty awesome(and ironic), right?

#4: Natural Gray Sea Salt

Last, but certainly not least, is natural gray sea salt. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the most nutrient-dense salt on the planet, containing 92 of 93 trace minerals. This salt is unique in many ways, including how it almost perfectly retains its original elemental structure (i.e., all trace elements).

Natural gray salt helps stimulate alkalinity, improve digestion, and strengthen the immune system. Texturally, natural gray sea salt is granular and fine. Taste-wise, the salt retains a bit of a “marine-life” flavor, which makes it a good seasoning for bolder dishes, such as lean cuts of beef, cheese, and lamb.

Final Thoughts on These Unique Salts

Unprocessed, mineral rich salts – such as those described above – contain a number of other health benefits not mentioned prior. Here are a few of those said benefits:

– Regulates blood pressure and helps maintain a regular heartbeat.

– Is a strong natural antihistamine; thus, is effective at clearing congestion in the lungs and nasal pathways.

– It is effective at eliminating congestion in the sinuses, as well as eliminating mucus and phlegm.

– Helps regulate blood sugar levels.

– Assists with removal of excess acidity from cells.

– Due to heavy trace mineral concentrations, natural salt ignites the body’s main energy source, adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

– Assists with nerve cell communication, including in the brain.

– Helps maintain strong bones, which may help prevent bone conditions, such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis.

14 Proven Ways to Make Your Child Successful in Life

September 28, 2016 by Sarah Barkley

As a parent, you likely want what is best for your child now and in the future. You want them to be happy and healthy, and you want to teach them how to be successful as they get older. Most parents realize that this goal is more complex than it sounds, but you can learn how to make your child successful in life.

According to recently conducted surveys for kids, many aspects of your child’s life can affect their success, including education, social skills, and fostering their hobbies. It all involves teaching good habits because repeated behavior determines their success. Your child’s environment also plays a role in their chance of success in life.

Learning how to make your child successful in life can help them live a fulfilled, happy, and productive life. As a parent, this is the ultimate goal, and there are proven ways to do it. You can help your child to ensure they are well-equipped for challenges and adulthood.

No matter how old your child is, you can make beneficial changes. As you learn how to make your child successful in life, you will both benefit as you watch your child blossom. Implement some of these proven tips on how to help kids succeed in life, and you’ll quickly see the difference.

How to Make Your Child Successful in Life

Are you a parent trying to set your child up for success? Try these behaviors in the home to raise successful kids.

1. Give Your Kids Responsibilities At Home

Teaching your children about responsibility is one of the best ways to make them successful. When you teach them to be responsible, they realize that they must work to be part of life.

Chores are a great way to give age-appropriate responsibilities around the house. Giving your child chores helps teach them responsibility, encourages hard work, and helps them understand the importance of contributing to the greater good. Some ideas for chores kids can do include:

taking out the garbage
mowing the lawn
doing the dishes
walking the dog
folding laundry

2. Teach Your Kids Social Skills

Social skills are essential for success, so teaching them to your child early on can help. Social competence can help children cooperate with their peers, help others, understand feelings, and resolve problems. Plus, children with social skills are more likely to have a college degree or full-time job by the time they are 25.

Those with inadequate social skills have a higher risk of being arrested, binge drinking, and applying for public housing. If you help your child develop necessary social skills, they will have a much better chance at a healthy future.

3. Demonstrate High Educational Expectations

While you shouldn’t set impossible educational expectations, you should set high ones. Studies show a positive link between your child’s long-term academics and a parent’s expectations. When it comes to education, you can’t slack off and let your child fall behind.

Your long-term goals for your child tend to predict your child’s math and reading abilities. Think link stems from children’s desire to live up to their parents’ expectations. They can follow their life path, but your academic guidance will help lead them in the right direction.

It is also important to note that your educational level can impact your children. Children born to teen moms are less likely to finish high school or seek higher education. Additionally, a parent’s education level when their child is eight years old can predict their success later in life, too.

4. Reward Your Child’s Achievements

Rewarding your child’s achievements can make them want to continue doing well. Kids love to know when someone is proud of them, so sometimes praise is the only reward they need. Research shows that growth mindsets thrive on praise for hard work and effort.

When they achieve something, consider rewarding them in other ways, too. Ensure the reward is something they will enjoy and want to do again. Some reward ideas include:

a new book
family game night
movie and snack of their choice
baking their favorite dessert
extra screen time
late bedtime
any activity of their choice

5. Teach Your Kids To Develop Good Relationships

When your child knows how to develop good relationships, they are more likely to be successful. Strong relationships promote emotional and mental growth, psychological wellbeing, and academic performance. Children that don’t have good relationships are more likely to face legal trouble, perform poorly academically, and struggle with psychiatric problems.

6. Teach Your Kids To Accept Failures

If you teach your kids to accept failure and praise their efforts, they will develop a growth mindset. A growth mindset means that they view failure as a chance to learn and grow rather than the end of their opportunity. When they think this way, they won’t be afraid to try because they’ll know that failure is okay.

While you might want to shield your child from failure, it isn’t beneficial to do so. Protecting them teaches your child that they shouldn’t ever face loss, and they won’t work as hard to reach their goals. Plus, they might not handle it well when they inevitably fail at something.

7. Encourage Your Kids to Love Math

Studies show that teaching your children to love math is a sure way to help them find success in life. Early math skills such as numbers knowledge, number order, and other math concepts predict future academic reading. Not only does it signify future math achievement, but it also leads to high reading levels.

8. Appreciate Your Child’s Effort

By appreciating your child’s effort, you will show them that success doesn’t only come from the final result. Praise their hard work and effort, and they won’t be afraid to try multiple times to accomplish their goals. Appreciating their actions helps them see that failure is a chance for growth and learning.

When your child worked hard at their soccer game but didn’t win, praise how hard they ran. If they did win the game, you should still praise their effort. By doing so, you teach them that their hard work is more important than the result.

9. Teach Your Kids To Be Healthy

Teaching your child how to be emotionally and physically healthy will help them throughout their entire life. Help them learn how to plan and make healthy meals, and teach them about healthy snacks. Additionally, teach them about regular physical activity and all of the benefits it has on your body.

For emotional health, teach them about positive thinking and showing themselves love and respect always. Getting enough sleep is also an important health factor that affects both emotional and physical health.

10. Send Your Kids to High-Education Level Schools

Whenever possible, send your child to schools with a high educational level. Ensuring they have the best chance at learning and furthering their skills is the best way to help them reach success. Plus, high-education level schools tend to have other children with the same mindset, further encouraging your child.

11. Teach Your Kids to Be Gritty

When you teach your children to be gritty, it means encouraging perseverance, helping your child keep pushing toward their goals despite setbacks or obstacles. You can cultivate grit by encouraging your child to practice and find purpose in things they are passionate about. It also involves introducing your child to activities or topics they can continually learn about for years.

12. Allow Your Kids to Make Decisions

If you want to raise a successful child, then you can’t make all of their decisions for them. When they can make their own decisions, it allows them to explore their passions and interests.

One way to allow them to make their own decision is by listening without offering advice. Then, let them face natural consequences, when necessary, without stepping in to fix it.

If you make all of your child’s decisions, it will leave them feeling discouraged and stifled. The long-term effects of making their decisions for them involve them becoming a codependent adult. A codependent adult tends to seek a partner that holds power and control in the relationship.

13. Be Aware Of Your Child’s Environment

Your child’s environment plays a huge role in their chance at success. Children that live in a neighborhood with good schools, career opportunities, and peers that value education affect their success levels.

Plus, studies show that children who received sensitive caregiving in their early years of life were more successful than others. Sensitive caregiving means that the child’s needs were promptly and appropriately addressed.

14. Be A Good Example To Your Kids

Kids tend to copy what their parents do, so setting a good example is essential. Start by managing your emotions to show children how to regulate theirs. Research shows that when a parent handles their feelings appropriately, children are more likely to follow suit.

Model good work ethic and achievement, too. Show them that hard work is necessary and that even when things don’t go as planned, you don’t give up. Let your children see you learning from your mistakes and showing the importance of not giving up.

Additionally, show children that when they face conflict, they should resolve it calmly. Model support, compromise, and positivity during the hard times. Doing so will help your child improve their social skills, self-esteem, and emotional security.

Final Thoughts on How to Make Your Child Successful in Life

As a parent, one of your biggest goals is likely to raise happy, healthy, and successful children. By giving your child the tools for success, everything else will fall into place. Learning how to make your child successful in life will change your child’s life for the better. As help prepare your child for success, they will receive mental and physical benefits. Implement some of the tips discussed here, and see which ones help your child thrive.

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