4 Powerful Lessons That Your Children Can Learn from Your Childhood Memories

If you’re a parent who almost always starts a sentence with “When I was a kid...” when talking to your children, you’re probably one of those who had the kind of childhood that’s worth talking about. Why else would you bring it up every chance you get, right?

Kids may roll their eyes all they want, or even start tuning out when you start entertaining them with tales of how you used to play outdoors all the time, make friends with kids in the neighborhood, or take road trips during vacations with your parents. You and your child may not know it, but when you share your memories with your child, it helps you establish a special connection with them. It also enables your child to learn important lessons from your real-life experiences. These valuable lessons will help them as they go through life and create memories of their own:

1. Empathy. When you tell them your stories, children learn that people have different experiences which are not necessarily the same as their own. For instance, if you share about how you had to take public transportation going to school, it gives them a fresh perspective and opens their eyes to the fact that not everyone can afford private cars. This will help them understand others better and respect differences among their classmates and peers.
   
   
2. A sense of identity. Sharing your hobbies or interests you had as a child gives them an idea where they got a particular skill or talent. If you tell them how often you went to the school library to finish your favorite book series at that time, then they would realize where they inherited the bookworm gene. It gives them a sneak peek at the past, explaining why things are the way they are today.
   
   
3. Importance of tradition. In the course of your sharing, there may be traditions that your child would wish to continue. An example is how you and your own parents used to go around the table at dinnertime to talk about a particular thing you’re thankful for that day. Your child may be inspired to continue the tradition, and even make them feel proud of sharing that connection across generations.
   
   
4. An appreciation for the future. No nostalgic recollection of your childhood would be complete without talking about how your own parents worked hard to send you to school and prepare you for the future. And this is exactly what you are doing today: ensuring the protection of your family so that they are financially prepared for anything that may happen tomorrow. When children realize that this is a long-standing commitment of the family, then they will be eager to take on that role when it’s time for them to have a family of their own.

Teach your child the value of preparing for the future by setting the example. Avail of an affordable life insurance plan that can protect you and your loved ones’ future like Life Ready Plus. Life Ready Plus is part of the BPI-Philam Wellness Series, a suite of products powered by a science-backed wellness program called Philam Vitality, which gives you instant rewards for making healthy lifestyle choices, and encourages you to live healthier, longer, better lives!

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