Kids Raised By Evolved Nest Parents Who Almost Always Do 9 Things Become The Happiest Adults
PeopleImages | ShutterstockParenting is a difficult and stressful task, but with love and patience, parents can raise their children to become very happy adults.
It all has to do with evolved nest parenting, which is when parents provide the kinds of care that humans are thought to have evolved to expect during childhood. When parents prioritize things like affection and a gentle home environment, they're setting their children up for success later in life.
Evolved nest parents do these things to raise happy adults
1. They play together
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Every parent knows that spending one-on-one time with your children is crucial. It fulfills their children's emotional needs while forming a strong bond. Quality time could include expressing how much you love your children, while also doing fun activities together.
When kids have playtime growing up, it makes it easier for them to adapt as adults. Evolved nest parents truly understand this and make it a point to prioritize unstructured time for their kids.
2. They listen
Have you ever been on the phone with someone and your child starts nagging at you? Maybe you just got home from work and just want a moment to yourself. With your kid pestering you nonstop, your patience wears thin and you end up snapping.
You certainly feel bad, but this is just one example where good listening skills are essential to a child's upbringing. It means hearing what their child says and responding appropriately.
When you don't listen to your children, they can internalize the belief that their needs don't matter. But parents who raise children to become happy adults actively listen, no matter how annoying it seems in the moment.
3. They teach healthy boundaries
Teaching children boundaries not only builds a sense of empathy and resilience, but gives them emotional safety. They learn that their personal feelings matter.
Evolved nest parents teach their children how to set boundaries, letting them know they're allowed to express what they are and aren't comfortable with. As adults, they're truly happy and self-aware.
4. They set a routine
Routine creates stability for children and is incredibly important. Bedtime routines lead to better sleep habits, while family routines help kids build social skills and resilience.
When parents give their kids structure, they grow into adults who lead stable lives. They have high self-esteem and engage in healthy behaviors for their benefit.
5. They take care of their emotional needs
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Good, evolved nest parenting means addressing your children's wants, while also giving them what they need. Things like clothing and shelter are basic needs, but there are also emotional needs that parents must meet.
These needs include things like giving unconditional love and offering praise or appreciation.
6. They celebrate small successes
When parents tell their kids "good job" or "I'm proud of you", it makes them feel good about themselves. Praise boosts their self-confidence and provides reassurance when they're filled with doubt.
By celebrating their children's achievements, it has a profoundly positive effect. And as these children continue to strive for success, it helps them create a happy adult life.
7. They assign chores
Parents who give their children chores might risk their kids disliking them for a while. After all, what kid wants to do chores? Despite this, household chores instills in kids the importance of hard work and discipline.
As a child, they may have been made to do the dishes every night after dinner. Even though they hated it, as adults, they can appreciate it. It taught them what it meant to be responsible and helpful.
8. They give their kids choices
The power of choice is important in raising children, as it gives them control and autonomy. When they can hone this skill, they use it for the rest of their lives.
Without the freedom of choice, children may not develop into the happy, independent adults they can be.
9. They encourage independence
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Good parenting means stepping back and allowing children to be independent. For evolved nest parents, instead of choosing what they wear to school or the food they eat, they let their kids decide.
When kids have to experience discomfort or challenges, they get stronger. As consulting school psychologist Kate Roberts explained, "Parenting should not be about eliminating every discomfort but about preparing children to face and overcome life's inevitable obstacles. A balanced approach... fosters emotional strength, responsibility, and resilience, qualities that will serve children far beyond childhood."
Allison Peterson is a writer with a degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. She writes on relationships, lifestyle, and mental health topics.
