PARENTS and the home environment they create play a vital role in raising happy, healthy and confident children, according to Daw Yuzana Kyin, a psychologist and health and social worker.

She said that parents must be careful that children are not subjected to mental trauma, especially in early childhood when they are aged between one and six years.

“If children suffer from mental trauma in these early ages of development, they will not forget it and the trauma will often be with them for their whole life,” she said.

It is also extremely important parents are good role models for their children, Daw Yuzana Kyin said.

“Parents must love and pay respects to each other, as well as their children,” she said, adding that the happiest families are those where the children feel like part of a cohesive unit.

She said it is important parents understand that children often measure parental love by the quantity and quality of the time shared with them.

“Some parents are busy with their job and claim that they are finding money for their children. In reality, the children want and need their parents’ time and attention. If children feel loved by their parents, they will also feel safe and be confident in themselves.”

This is important for mental and social development, Daw Yuzana Kyin said.
“If children feel love and care from their parents, they have self-esteem, self-reliance, self-independent, self-control.”

Parents should also endeavour to create a stimulating and responsive environment for their children.

“People must encourage children to be inquisitive. If children want to know something, parents must answer patiently and avoided scolding them,” she said.

She also said that structure and guidance are important and parents often need to provide direction for their children.

Parents who are able to spend an adequate amount of time with their children will be rewarded with strong bonds that last a lifetime, she said.