Parenting Tips: Despite their best efforts, parents often miss small things when raising their children, which can have a lasting impact on their behavior, self-confidence, and mental development. Many child psychologists believe that nine minutes a day is considered the most sensitive. If parents treat their children well during these nine minutes, their emotional and mental development can be significantly improved. According to American parenting expert Laura Markham (Aha Parenting), these nine minutes fall during three key periods of a child's day: three minutes upon waking, three minutes after returning home from school, and three minutes before bedtime. During these three periods, children's brains are most emotionally active, and they readily pick up on their parents' behavior. These 3-3-3, or 9 minutes, are very important for children:

1. Your behavior upon waking up in the morning:

Most children's mornings are spent in a hurry and with reprimands.

"Get up quickly!", "You're getting late!", "Let's brush your teeth!"

Such an opening can create internal tension for the child.

If you gently hug your child as soon as they wake up in the morning, say "Good morning" with a smile, and sit with them for just two minutes, their day starts positively. Experts say this makes them feel secure, stabilizes their mood, and increases their focus on studies.

2. Returning from school:
When a child returns from school, they may be thinking about a lot of things. They may have fought, failed a test, or are simply tired. If parents are busy on their phones or simply say, "Go change your clothes," the child begins to emotionally withdraw.

Just three minutes of warmth, a sweet smile, a quick hug, and a few questions like, "How was your day?" immediately put your child at ease after school. These three minutes significantly strengthen their confidence and communication skills.

3. Bedtime:
Nighttime is a very sensitive time for children. Scolding, anger, or distancing during this time can disrupt their sleep and fill their mind with anxiety.

Spend just three minutes in a quiet environment before bed. For example, tell a light story, talk about the day, give your child a loving hug, or pet their head. These small moments fill your child with security, trust, and positive thinking. They become calmer, happier, and emotionally stronger.

Why are these nine minutes important? (Psychology-backed reasons) –
Children are most receptive to their parents' emotions during this time.
These 9 minutes are stored in the child's subconscious.

They make the child feel more secure, confident, and happy.

They reduce irritability and behavioral problems in children.

They strengthen the foundation of the emotional bond between parents and children.

How can parents adopt these tips?

Stay away from your phone as soon as you wake up in the morning and give your child your full attention.

Give your child a smile and a hug before starting anything else when returning from school.

Before bed, turn off the TV or mobile phone and sit with your child for 3 minutes.

Don't interrupt your child; let them finish their conversation.

Try to make these 9 minutes a daily routine; it makes a huge difference in the long run.

Gradually, you'll notice your child feeling happier, calmer, and more connected.

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