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Encouraging Self-Expression in Children: Lessons from the Nordic Countries

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Self-expression is a crucial aspect of a child’s development and is necessary for their for their normal mental development. Children need a platform to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in a healthy way. This article will explore the ways in which children are encouraged to express themselves in Nordic countries and how we can learn from their methods.

Active Listening: In Nordic countries, parents and teachers are trained to listen actively to children’s opinions, thoughts, and feelings. This means that they take time to understand the child’s perspective and validate their emotions.

Validation of Emotions: Children in Nordic countries are taught to understand and express their emotions. This helps them to develop emotional intelligence and resilience. Parents and teachers encourage children to acknowledge and validate their feelings, creating a safe and supportive environment for self-expression.

Freedom of Thought: Children in Nordic countries are encouraged to think freely and express their opinions. This helps to foster creativity, independence, and critical thinking skills.

Creative Activities: Nordic countries place a strong emphasis on creative activities as a means of self-expression. Children are encouraged to participate in art, music, and other creative pursuits, providing a platform for them to express themselves freely.

Outdoor Activities: Spending time in nature is also an important aspect of encouraging self-expression in Nordic countries. Children are encouraged to play and explore the outdoors, providing an opportunity for them to express themselves in new and exciting ways.


If a child is not allowed to express themselves, they may grow up to be:

Inhibited: Children who are not allowed to express themselves may become inhibited, feeling that their thoughts and feelings are not valued. This can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.

Repressed: Children who are not allowed to express themselves may develop a habit of repressing their emotions, leading to emotional suppression. Over time, this can result in feelings of anger, frustration, and resentment.

Disconnected: Children who are not allowed to express themselves may feel disconnected from those around them, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Uncreative: Children who are not allowed to express themselves creatively may miss out on opportunities to develop their artistic and imaginative skills.

Stressed: Children who are not allowed to express themselves may experience high levels of stress, leading to a range of physical and mental health problems.

Encouraging self-expression in children is an essential aspect of their development and overall wellbeing. By taking inspiration from the methods used in Nordic countries, we can create a safe and supportive environment for our children to express themselves freely. By actively listening, validating their emotions, and encouraging freedom of thought and creativity, we can help our children to develop into confident, self-assured individuals.

Featured image: NordenBladet

HOW parents in Nordic countries support childrens emotional and mental self care?

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – In Nordic countries, the well-being of children is considered a top priority. Parents in these countries place a strong emphasis on emotional and mental self-care, recognizing the importance of these aspects for overall health and happiness. There are several unique approaches that Nordic parents take to support their children in this regard.

Emphasizing Emotional Expression: In Nordic countries, children are encouraged to express their emotions openly and honestly. Parents view emotional expression as an important aspect of self-care and provide a safe and supportive environment for their children to express their feelings.

Encouraging Outdoor Play: Nordic countries have a strong tradition of outdoor play and encourage children to spend time in nature. This not only helps with physical self-care, but also supports mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting mindfulness.

Access to Mental Health Services: Nordic countries have robust mental health systems, providing children with access to counseling and other mental health services as needed. Parents in these countries recognize the importance of addressing mental health concerns early on and are proactive in seeking help for their children.

Focus on Quality Time: Nordic parents place a strong emphasis on spending quality time with their children. This helps to build strong emotional bonds and provides children with a supportive and nurturing environment, which is crucial for emotional and mental self-care.

The approach to emotional and mental self-care for children in Nordic countries is rooted in a deep understanding of its importance for overall health and happiness. By encouraging emotional expression, outdoor play, providing access to mental health services, and focusing on quality time, Nordic parents set a strong foundation for their children’s self-care and well-being.

Featured image: Pexels

Teaching Your Child Essential Self-Care Habits VOL 2: Physical, Emotional, and Mental Self-Care

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – As a parent, it is important to teach your child how to take care of themselves, both physically, emotionally, and mentally. By doing so, you equip them with the tools they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. In this article, we will explore several ways to teach your child about self-care and its importance.

In Nordic and Baltic countries, the well-being of children is considered a top priority. Parents in place a strong emphasis on emotional and mental self-care, recognizing the importance of these aspects for overall health and happiness.

So, how to raise a well-rounded child? Teach your child Physical, Emotional, and Mental Self-Care

Physical self-care: Teach your child the importance of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. Encourage them to participate in activities they enjoy, such as sports or dance, and help them establish healthy habits, such as drinking water and avoiding junk food.

Emotional self-care: Help your child identify and understand their emotions. Encourage them to express their feelings in a healthy manner, such as through talking to a trusted friend or family member, writing in a journal, or engaging in art or music. Teach them coping mechanisms for managing stress, such as deep breathing or mindfulness practices.

Mental self-care: Encourage your child to engage in activities that stimulate their minds and creativity, such as reading, puzzles, or playing educational games. Teach them the importance of setting boundaries and taking breaks from technology and social media. Additionally, make sure they have access to mental health resources, such as a therapist or support group, if needed.

Self-care is a lifelong journey and it is never too early to start teaching your child the importance of taking care of themselves. By providing them with the tools and resources they need, you set them on a path towards a happy and healthy life. As a parent, your love and support can make all the difference in helping your child develop positive self-care habits.

Featured image: Pexels

Teaching Your Child Essential Self-Care Habits VOL 1: Hygiene, Nutrition, and Stress Management

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Proper self-care habits are crucial for a healthy and fulfilling life. As a parent, it is important to instill these habits in your child from an early age, covering aspects such as hygiene, nutrition, and stress management. In this article, we will explore ways to teach your child these important self-care habits.

As a parent, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your child grow into an independent and capable individual. One of the best ways to foster this independence is by teaching your child essential self-care habits. These habits, covering aspects such as hygiene, nutrition, and stress management, not only promote physical and emotional well-being but also equip your child with the skills and confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges. By teaching your child self-care habits, you set them on a path towards a healthy and fulfilling life, and equip them with the tools they need to be their best selves.

Hygiene: Teach your child the importance of washing their hands regularly, brushing their teeth twice a day, and taking regular showers. Encourage them to develop a daily routine for personal hygiene, and emphasize the role of hygiene in preventing illness.

Healthy eating habits: Teach your child the importance of a balanced diet and encourage them to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Explain the role of nutrition in maintaining good health and encourage them to make healthy food choices.

Stress management: Teach your child the signs of stress and how to manage it effectively. Encourage them to engage in activities that reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Teach them the importance of good sleep hygiene and encourage them to develop healthy sleep habits.

Teaching your child self-care habits is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. By focusing on hygiene, nutrition, and stress management, you equip your child with the tools they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Remember to lead by example, and show your child that self-care is a priority for you as well.

Featured image: Pexels

Building confidence and independence in children’s SOCIAL SITUATIONS

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – There is a great emphasis on the development of children’s social skills in the Baltic and Nordic countries. We place a strong emphasis on the well-being of children and the importance of social skills in their development. The education systems prioritize the development of children’s social skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to collaborate with others. This focus is reflected in our child-centered approach to education and parenting, which emphasizes the importance of play, social interaction, and exploration in the development of children’s social skills.

Children develop their social skills and independence through interactions with their peers, family, and other adults. As parents, it’s important to support our children in building their confidence and independence in social situations.

Fostering independence in children’s social situations takes time and patience, but it’s an important aspect of their development. By encouraging decision-making, interaction with peers, conflict resolution, giving space, and leading by example, we can support our children in becoming confident and independent in social situations.

1. Encourage interaction with peers: Participate in group activities that allow children to interact with peers. Playdates, group sports, and classes are great ways to encourage socialization. Encourage your child to make friends and engage in social activities on their own.

2. Teach conflict resolution: Children will inevitably experience conflict in social situations. Teach them how to handle conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner. This includes active listening, expressing their own feelings, and finding a solution that works for everyone.

3. Teach social skills: Teach your child important social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and showing empathy towards others. These skills will help them navigate social situations more confidently.

4. Give them opportunities to practice: Provide opportunities for your child to practice their social skills, such as hosting playdates or inviting friends over for a meal.

5. Lead by example: As parents, we can model appropriate social behaviors for our children. Show them how to handle conflicts, navigate social situations, and make friends in a respectful and kind manner.

6. Encourage them to make decisions: Children can start making small decisions, such as what to wear or what food to eat. By letting them make choices, they will feel more confident in making decisions in social situations.

7. Teach conflict resolution: Children will inevitably experience conflict in social situations. Teach them how to handle conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner.

8. Give them space: Give children some independence in social situations. For example, let them play with friends without constant supervision. This will help them develop their social skills and independence.

9. Lead by example: As parents, we can model appropriate social behaviors for our children. Show them how to be respectful and kind to others, and how to handle conflicts in a peaceful manner.

Encouraging your child to engage in social activities, teaching them conflict resolution and social skills, and providing opportunities to practice these skills will help them become confident and independent in social situations. Lead by example and provide support as needed, but also give them the space to navigate and grow in their own unique way.

Featured image: Education system in Nordic countries emphasizes cooperation and teamwork, and encourages children to develop social skills through activities such as group projects, peer-to-peer interaction, and community involvement. (Pexels)

Encouraging children’s Exploration and Discovery: Fostering a love of learning

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – As parents and caregivers, it’s important to foster a love of learning in children from an early age. Exploration and discovery play a big role in this process, allowing children to engage with their environment and develop a sense of curiosity and wonder.

Fostering a love of learning in children is a common priority in the Baltic and Nordic countries, particularly in countries like Estonia, Finland and Denmark. The Nordic education systems place a strong emphasis on promoting creativity, critical thinking, and independent learning in children. The emphasis on play-based learning and hands-on experiences is also a hallmark of Nordic education. This approach is seen as a key factor in the high levels of education attainment and overall success in Nordic countries. We also have high levels of parental involvement in education, further emphasizing the importance placed on children’s learning and development.

Provide opportunities for hands-on experiences: Children learn best through hands-on experiences, so provide them with opportunities to explore, tinker, and experiment. This could be anything from playing with building blocks and puzzles to exploring nature or cooking.

Encourage questions: Encourage children to ask questions and engage in conversation about the world around them. This helps foster their curiosity and helps them develop critical thinking skills.

Support their interests: If a child shows an interest in a particular subject, encourage and support that interest. Whether it’s animals, music, or space, provide resources and opportunities for them to learn more about it.

Limit screens: While screens can be a source of information and entertainment, they can also limit a child’s creativity and imagination. Encourage unstructured play and limit screen time, especially for young children.

Read to them: Reading to children can help ignite their imagination and spark their curiosity. Choose books that introduce new concepts and ideas, and encourage them to ask questions and make connections to the world around them.

Encourage outdoor play: Spending time outdoors can provide a wealth of opportunities for exploration and discovery. From observing nature to climbing trees, encourage children to spend time outside and connect with the natural world.

Exploration and discovery play a big role in children’s life. Exploration and discovery are essential for children’s growth and development and provide a foundation for a lifelong love of learning:

  1. They promote cognitive development: Engaging in exploration and discovery helps children develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity.
  2. They foster curiosity and wonder: Encouraging children to explore and discover the world around them helps foster a sense of curiosity and wonder, leading to a lifelong love of learning.
  3. They build confidence: When children are given the opportunity to explore and discover on their own, they build confidence in their abilities and a sense of independence.
  4. They promote physical development: Outdoor play and hands-on experiences can promote physical development and improve coordination and motor skills.
  5. They support social-emotional development: Exploration and discovery can provide opportunities for children to work together, share, and communicate, supporting their social-emotional development.
  6. They provide opportunities for self-expression: Through exploration and discovery, children can express their individuality and develop their own interests and passions.

By providing opportunities for hands-on experiences, encouraging questions, supporting their interests, limiting screens, reading to them, and encouraging outdoor play, we can help foster a love of learning in children and encourage their exploration and discovery. Nurturing their sense of wonder and curiosity can lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Featured image: Pexels

Achieving Work-Life Balance: PROVEN Strategies for balancing Career and Family

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet –  Both family life and work are important aspects of an individual’s life and can play a significant role in their overall well-being and happiness. It is not possible to say that one is more important than the other. Work provides financial stability, personal fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. On the other hand, family life provides emotional support, love and companionship, and a sense of belonging. Striving for a balance between the two can help an individual to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. It’s important to find a balance that works for you and your particular circumstances.

Having a balanced work and family life is essential because it allows individuals to manage their responsibilities and commitments to both their careers and personal lives effectively. This balance can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved mental and physical health, and stronger relationships with loved ones. Additionally, it can also improve overall productivity and performance in both work and personal life. Having a balance can also help with reducing stress and burnout which can be harmful to overall well-being.

How to balance work and family life?

1. Set clear priorities: Determine what is most important to you and your family, and make sure that those things are at the top of your to-do list.

2. Make a schedule: Plan out your daily and weekly schedule in advance, and make sure to include time for work, family, and personal responsibilities.

3. Communicate effectively: Make sure to communicate with your family about your work schedule and responsibilities, and encourage open communication about family needs and priorities.

4. Take advantage of technology: Use technology to stay connected with your family and manage your work, such as video conferencing and online project management tools.

5. Set boundaries: Learn to say “no” when necessary, and set boundaries around your time and energy to make sure you have enough to meet the demands of both work and family.

6. Take care of yourself: Make sure to prioritize self-care, such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep, to maintain your energy and well-being.

7. Delegate: Share responsibilities with your family and delegate tasks as necessary to ensure that everyone is doing their fair share.

8. Prioritize quality time: Schedule regular time with your family, such as dinner together or a family outing, to strengthen your relationships.

9. Be flexible: Be open to changes in your schedule and be willing to adjust your plans as needed to accommodate unexpected demands.

10. Make time for hobbies and interests: Take time to pursue your hobbies and interests to maintain a sense of balance and fulfillment.

11. Seek support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or a professional counselor or coach if you need it.

12. Be present: When you’re with your family, be fully present and engaged, rather than thinking about work or other distractions.

13. Be organized: Keep your work and personal life organized and plan ahead to minimize stress and maximize efficiency.

14. Build a support system: Build a network of support, such as friends or other working parents, who can offer advice and understanding.

15. Try to find a balance: Try to find a balance between work and family life, and be mindful of how much time you are spending on each. Remember that it’s okay to make adjustments as needed to ensure that you are happy and fulfilled in both areas of your life.

 

Photography: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

Supreme court: ENTREPRENEURS are recommended to conclude marital property agreement once the family’s economic status is significantly above average

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – The Supreme Court of Estonia discussed a case where an entrepreneur had founded a fund in Malta and he transferred there the shares that belonged to the spouses’ common property. The husband that had been managing the shares could not continue anymore due to the worsening of health and thus gave the shares to the fund for professional management.

The wife did not agree to surrender the shares to the fund and came forth with a lawsuit, claiming to have the shares worth 63 million euros returned to the family’s common stock account. The husband, in return, claimed approval from court for the shares to be handed over to the fund. Courts concluded that the wife had the right to demand return of the shares to their common property and denied the husband from giving the shares to the fund.

Common property may not suit all spouses

The Supreme Court’s board of civil matters noted that the aim of common property is to equally value tha role of the spouse caring for the family and the children, and the role of the spouse that has the larger income from a job. On the other hand, spouses must work closely when managing the common property, this may inhibit the proper management in some cases.

Therefore having common property may not be reasonable when spouses are entrepreneurs or when the family’s financial status is significantly above average and both spouses wish to independently manage the property.

The board emphasized that the court cannot manage the common property on behalf of the spouses. When the spouses have a different understanding of managing the property or when the omissions of one spouse inhibit the proper management of the common property, then either upon mutual agreement or with the support of the court they can modify their property relations. Upon getting married, as well as during wedlock the common property may be specified with marital property agreement, also the property relations may be changed.

The Supreme Court also specified that although the founding of a fund for the succeeding generation is permissible, each spouse will be able to make demands only concerning their portion of the property. In case of common property the spouses must consider half of the property belonging to the other side. Even more advanced financial knowledge will not win access for one spouse to decide on behalf of the other, how the latter will use his/her property.

Featured image: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

STUDY: THE HAPPIEST is a middle-aged woman living in the countryside

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – The study showed that the happiest is a 50+ woman who is financially stable, in a steady relationship and owns a home. She lives in the countryside and has a courtyard. “The Happy Neighbourhood Report” is a project that Bonava launched in 2017. As a part of the project, people from home markets are interviewed about what features they most value in their home and neighbourhood.

The Happiness index helps measure and compare the citizens’ satisfaction and happiness in their habitat. On a scale of 100 points, most satisfied with their homes are the Swedes (81 points), the northern neighbours Finns indicate this feature at 78 points. Equally satisfied with their homes are Estonians and Germans (76 points).

The happiest neighbour in Estonia is a committed woman aged 35-49 who is financially secure and owns a home. She has lived in her home for more than five years, owns a courtyard (terrace, balcony or garden) and lives close to a big city.

The responses indicated that people tend to stay in a known neighbourhood when choosing a place of residence. From the respondents 69% had lived in their home for more than five years and 75% of the respondents have been true to their neighbourhood and have lived there for more than five years.

Featured image: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

FRIENDS have an impact on your economic well-being

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Why are some people wealthier than others? There are several reasons, but one of them is related to your social network. When we grow up in a circle where people from a higher as well as from a lower socio-economic status communicate with each other, then this may advance the chances of our children to increase their future economic well-being.

Scientists from the USA looked into the friendships of 70 million people in the social media channel Facebook. The age of the researched group was 25-44 years. Scientists drew conclusions about the person’s socio-economic well-being based on their address, school, median income, and their cell phone model.

The research proved that when poorer people have contacts with the wealthier people, then also the poorer people will move upwards in the socio-economic status. This means that children from the lower socio-economic class growing up in the neighbourhoods where people have contacts despite the socioeconomic background, their incomes as grown-ups would be one fifth higher.

Featured image: Pexels
Source: NordenBladet.ee

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