As parents, we often want to give our children everything. Heather Johnson, a parenting contributor for KSL, argues that the most valuable gift we can provide is emotional maturity.
Johnson explains that emotional maturity forms the foundation of effective parenting. It shapes how love, discipline, and patience are expressed within the family.
“If there’s anything you wanna do in your home, if there isn’t an ability to manage emotions first, we’re gonna fall flat with everything else we try.”
She stresses that parents act as role models for their children’s emotional development.
“We model for our children what emotional management looks like. If I’m not emotionally mature, then I’m raising or modeling emotional immaturity for our children.”
Johnson offers a simple self-check question:
Whether it’s dealing with a spilled cereal bowl or a child’s dishonesty, maintaining control over your emotions is crucial.
Author’s summary: Emotional maturity is essential for parents to effectively guide their children, shaping love, discipline, and emotional growth through steady self-control and example.