Parents always want the best for their children in everything, be it education, nutrition or even material items, like toys or clothes. Often, parents hope to give their children everything they didn’t have when they were young themselves.
Because “best” is often perceived as giving or having more, some parents have an instinctive need to give their children more: more protection, more toys and more classes or activities. But the “best” isn’t always what we think it is. The truth is, parents can’t always give their children more. Not all the time.
There are limits to what parents can do. Sometimes, they are not able to afford the material things their kids ask for. They can’t always protect them at the playground or send them to the best school.
There is a pang of guilt that hits when they are unable to give their child more.
But is giving more the only way to be a good mum? Maybe more isn’t always good. Let’s talk about giving less sometimes, so that your children are able to get more out of life, instead.
#1 Less Toys, More Experiences
New research suggests playing with fewer toys is good for kids.
Kids who were given just four toys played longer with each toy and had higher quality play. They used their imagination to play in a greater variety of ways with the limited number of toys they had, compared to when they had many options.
According to the study, “This suggests that when provided with fewer toys in the environment, toddlers engage in longer periods of play with a single toy, allowing better focus to explore and play more creatively. This can be offered as a recommendation in many natural environments to support children’s development and promote healthy play.”
The study suggests a more substantive takeaway: that longer play with one, or fewer toys means more creative play, and that this might help kids develop their attention span, which is often very fleeting in their early years.
The philosophy of “less is more” is definitely at play here. Give kids fewer toys, and they are bound to play with them for longer. It’s also a great way to de-clutter your home!
#2 Less Protection, More Independence and Life Lessons
When a child is born, it is the parents’ natural instinct to protect them. But as little ones grow older, we must learn to let them go and encourage their independence. However, not all parents do this. At what point does this protection become too much?
Overprotective parents believe that they are doing the best for their children by shielding them from the horrors of the world physically, emotionally and socially. It is their intention to give their children only the very best that life can offer and protect them from everything else – including the realities of life. Such parents may want to have complete control over what happens to their children. They worry about everything a child is exposed to.
And yet, by protecting them from every negative experience or situation in life, these parents might actually be depriving their children of important learning experiences they need to be able to cope as adults.
It may seem counterintuitive, but if we protect our children too much, we actually end up exposing them to other risks. We leave them without the skills, experiences and life lessons that they will need to handle challenges as they grow up.
Overprotective parents who succeed in keeping their child in their “safety bubble” face a much more potent risk: The child may grow up without learning how to evaluate, handle, and overcome challenges.
#3 Less Activities, More Quality Time
As family time gets restricted by the demands of work, school and distractions, carving out space to spend quality bonding time together can do wonders for your relationship with your children.
Try having a “device-free” time as a family where all you do is sit together and talk to each other. This could be during dinner, after school, or even during breakfast before the day gets busy.
By doing this, you’re actively bonding with the ones you love the most, and also creating open communication channels with your children, which is important as they grow older.
#4 No Added Sugars, More Goodness of Milk
According to the latest statistics from the National Health and Morbidity Survey, more than 6% of children in Malaysia under five years of age have been identified as overweight. Meanwhile, about 12% of children and teenagers under the age of 18 were classified as overweight or obese.
Why is excessive added sugar bad? Because it:
- increases the likelihood of obesity
- impacts taste preference, creating an unhealthy “sweet tooth”
- increases the risk of dental cavities
Children do not need excessive added sugars. So why have them in your child’s formulated milk powder?
Anmum Essential is the only formulated milk powder for children with 0% Added Sugars* and 100% Goodness of Milk. Now with Mind-Q Connect, contains DHA and 2x More GA®** (Gangliosides).
So parents, maximise your child’s brain cells connections today with proper stimulation together with good nutrition.
Don’t be afraid to give less to your kids, because you’re helping them get more out of life.
Try Anmum Essential today!
Reference:
¹Sucrose, Glucose Syrup Solid, Corn Syrup Solid, Brown Sugar, Dextrose, Lactose, Fructose, Honey and White Sugar are defined as ‘sugars’ and ‘added sugars’ under CODEX Standard 212-1999 and CAC/GL23-1997. CODEX develops harmonised international food standards guidelines and code of practices.
Under Malaysia Food Regulations 1985, Sucrose, Brown Sugar, Dextrose, Glucose, Fructose, Honey are defined as sweetening substances.
Under Australia New Zealand Food Standard Code – Standard 1.1.2, Glucose Syrup, Maltodextrin and similar products are defined as ‘sugars’.
** Compared to previous formula.
