Ideal nurturing environment

Since the beginning of time, since the first commandment to "multiply and replenish the earth," human beings have not ceased to form their families.

And although each one is, at the same time, equal and diverse, they all have in common the same ingredient: love as the central nucleus that has guided the history of families up to the present day. And although, like everything else, families evolve, they always have the same formula for the success of their members, from love to social relationships, values, communication, responsibility and the strength to face each new challenge.

Basis for a happy home

An example is worth a thousand words, and to understand how some parents manage to create a welcoming environment to raise their children, it is best to observe the day-to-day life of families like the one formed by Julia and José, an enterprising couple who are the loving parents of Lina and Mateo. Lina is eight years old and every morning, around 7:00 am, she takes the family dog for a short walk, since she is in charge of taking care of the house pet.

Her brother takes out the garbage and while both parents prepare breakfast. The children leave for school, which is very close to the house, so they go and return alone, and the parents begin their workday in the plant nursery they have in the yard. Many people want to know how they manage to be always smiling and calm and even have time to go for walks; the answer is always the same: "We organize ourselves".

Keeping a stable life routine, and each member of the family fulfilling his or her responsibilities, including the children, makes everything easier. Parents do not end their day exhausted and therefore can in the afternoons help their children with homework, play together and spend quality time together. Scholars say that children like Lina and Mateo always want to spend time with their parents, and everyone benefits from being together.

It is important that communication is continuous and sincere, so that they can exchange ideas, knowledge, skills and train each other in everything necessary for a successful social life. Returning to the example of this family, we can see how when repairs need to be made, the children help their father and learn how to use the tools. The children, who are experts in the use of smartphones, teach Julia and José how to use very useful applications for their business.

These parents understand that just as important as spending time together is being flexible in organizing the dynamics of family life. For example, on rainy days, it is the dad who is in charge of walking the house pet, and in school exam time, walks are postponed by mutual agreement with the children, which helps them grow up being mature and aware of the value of effort, and learning to enjoy delayed gratification, i.e., first make the effort, then receive the reward.

Laying a good foundation

A healthy environment for children is achieved by creating a solid structure, which is composed of customs and traditions, the way they establish relationships with other families, their lifestyle, their way of integrating into society, among others, and are transmitted from one generation to the next, forming a pattern that defines that family and influences their behavior. Such is the case of Lina and Mateo, who spend part of their vacations at their paternal aunt and uncle's farm.

Relating with family and friends broadens our view of the world. The responsiveness of the family to take on new stages and unforeseen events is also part of the foundation of a positive environment and has to do with developing flexibility, learning to make decisions, and parents allowing children to learn from the consequences of events when they do not go as expected, rather than imposing rigid rules on them.

Growing up in an ideal environment

Families like Julia and Jose's give their children the privilege of growing up in a home where everyone supports each other and wants each other's well-being.

They complement each other according to the particularity of each one, individuality is respected and decision making is among all, prioritizing the common good, favoring that these children in their future adulthood contribute the best to society from attitudes of solidarity and respect.

These parents form a team with their children at all times, which provides the children with good socialization habits. And being flexible, they are open to change, although they understand the importance of living with established and orderly rules. Children also grow up with healthy self-esteem, as their parents take their opinions into account and value and respect them, knowing that communication and support will bring many benefits to all.

Families like the one formed by Julia and José, with their children Lina and Mateo, not only strengthen and nurture themselves with their good practices, but also become an example, as they serve as an inspiration to other families to learn how to build welcoming homes, where it is known that perfection is only a reference, as human beings live in a process of continuous improvement, being aware that the more healthy homes we have, the better the society we live in will be.