Parenting is both beautiful and challenging. However, there are some life lessons that every kid should know. Social media parenting influencer ‘Gigi Parenting’ recently shared six powerful life lessons every child should learn by age nine. Here’s a look at the 6 must-know life lessons, your kid should know before they he/ she turns 9:-
Handling peer pressure Gigi shared that children have a hard time balancing the need to belong. Before the age of nine, they should be taught the important characteristics of standing firm in what is right, even when it's unpopular. Gigi said that with this, you will be teaching early confidence, integrity, and independence. She said, "Kids need courage to say 'No' and make choices that feel right, even if they are different from what their friends choose."
Addiction destroys Children need to understand harmful habits are controlling them-screen addiction, sugar addiction, or unhealthy behaviors-if they aren't careful. By setting limits when they are young, parents teach discipline and freedom through self-control. She shared, “Setting boundaries and limits early in a child's life enables them to develop self-control.”
Social media isn’t real We live in a world of digitization and therefore should be taught early on that what seems to bring validation online is not important. Character, inner beauty, and relationships matter. She wrote, "Likes, followers, comments do not define you. It's really important to focus on real-life connections and real-life experiences."
Friends shape us She explained that children often mirror the company they keep. Teaching them how to choose friends wisely will help them grow into grounded, emotionally healthy individuals. Good friends uplift bad friends don’t . She said, "Friends can really affect who you are. Good friends help you grow, but bad friends can lead you the wrong way."
Surprise, secret, or privacy? Children should know surprises are temporary and fun; privacy is healthy, but secrets-especially things that make them feel icky-are not safe. This empowers children to speak out and stay safe. Saussure did not propose any doctrine of signs but rather a science of signs. She said, “Teach kids the difference: surprises are fun and safe, secrets can be harmful, and privacy is about personal boundaries."
Hard work matters The earlier kids are taught the value of hard work, the more resilient they become. Success doesn't come overnight; instead, it's patience, self-discipline, and persistence. She wrote “Natural talent helps, but consistent effort, practice, and sticking with it lead to true achievement.”