As your kids are growing up, they are watching the world around them and trying to understand it day by day. Eventually, they realize that others have better things than them or their friends are good at some things while they are not. They soon begin comparing themselves with others, which often leads to anxiety, tantrums, unpleasant feelings, jealousy, and at times distress. But there are some ways through which you can teach your kids to avoid comparing themselves with others. Want to know about the tips? Know them here.
1. Teach Kids to Enjoy Little Things
Parents often emphasize teaching kids about good and bad behavior or manners. But they miss out on teaching kids an essential aspect of life – to enjoy little things to the fullest. When you teach kids to appreciate what they have (in life and materialistic things), they will gradually learn to stay happy and not compare themselves with others.
2. Teach Them Everyone is Different
If your kid is sad because their friends are better at studies while they are not, you need to teach your kids that everyone is different and has unique talents and abilities. Tell your kids that just because their friends are better at academics does not mean they are great at sports or music like them. So, instead of focusing on others, ask the child to find their strength and work on them.
3. Teach Them to Focus On Important Things
Your child might often complain about how their friends have the latest toys while they don’t. In such cases, instead of rebuking them, explain to your kids that they should focus on their favorite toys and find new ways to play with them. Explain to them how comparing themselves with others will distract them from what is important to them. As parents, you should also help your kids refocus their energy on important things.
4. Encourage Them to Celebrate Everyone’s Success
Although it might be challenging for your kid to celebrate the success of others, this is essential. This practice will make your kids understand the importance of hard work and persistence. You should teach your kids to have a healthy attitude towards comparison, or else it might hamper their growth and result in a fixed mindset, self-doubt, insecurity, and jealousy. Thus, encourage them to celebrate everyone’s success, get inspired, and focus on their goals.
5. And Celebrate Their Progress As Well
No matter how bad the result is, always celebrate your kid’s progress. It does not matter that your kid did not secure the first position in the recital competition, but what is important is that they overcame their fear and tried their best to compete. Emphasizing the idea of doing their best to get better, irrespective of the result, will make your kid realize they are their own competition. And they will no longer compare themselves with others.
It’s perfectly normal for kids to compare themselves with others. But as parents, it’s your responsibility to help develop a growth mindset in your kids for a better life.
You can also read 5 Ways for Parents to Help their Child Deal with Anger Issues
