Do you remember your childhood home? Is it with fond memories or negative? Was the home stable or constantly in flux? For many children, growing up in a consistent home environment is something that is taken for granted. It goes without saying that they will come home from school to the same people, in the same house, with the same daily expectations.
Unfortunately, many other children do not live in that kind of bubble. They are part of a “transient population” due to their parents’ choices, and the children never experience the kind of security present in a home.
While having a single, physical home throughout your growing up years can be great for kids, the most important aspect is that they have a stable home environment. Included here are a few reasons why a stable home is important for children, and why it can be damaging when it is absent.
Safety
One of the most important aspects of a stable home is that it is a safe harbor for children. While the internet has sent fingers of invasion into home environments, for the most part, your home is where your children feel safe. They can escape criticism from teachers, demanding coaches and even school bullies.
When children feel safe they are allowed freedom of expression, choice and individualism. They are capable of personal growth that cannot be witnessed if they live in a stressed or changing home environment. Choosing to eliminate computers from kid’s rooms can help improve the family environment and interaction.
Self-Confidence
Many children find their own sense of self-confidence in the home environment. Experiencing loving parents; siblings who are, for the most part, supportive; and a space to call their own boosts self-confidence in children. Self-confidence allows children to speak out in class, stand up against bullies and find self-worth in the face of enmity.
Children who do not have this self-confidence will suffer in many ways. They may look for their personal worth in external relationships with peers who can never live up to their expectations; this could begin a cycle of disappointment and cynicism about other people, and cause broken trust in their personal relationships.
Ability to Grow
If you have ever studied Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, you understand that certain things must be met before any human can progress to a “higher understanding.” Children must experience consistent safety and nourishment before they can begin focusing on academic success or building friendships.
Children who live in secure home environments never have to experience the stress and uncertainty associated with no food or no place to sleep. This means, their brain power can be invested in academic work or in building relationships. By creating a stable home environment for children, we can allow them to succeed on countless levels.