AS parents, we want to do everything we can for our children hoping to give them the best life possible. Often we overlook the most important things because we don't truly live them or have them ourselves to give away. Food, clothing and shelter are obviously very important, the basic legal minimum, but below you will find the sorts of things we all take for granted at one time or another, but are vital to the overall well-being of every child.

1. Accept Them -

We've all seen (and probably been) the parent who didn't get exactly what THEY wanted. As humans, we have a tendency to project what we are on to others and when they cannot be what we want them to be, reject them in small ways. We also like to think we are our children's actions or abilities and judge ourselves accordingly.

The truth is, however, that we are no such thing, and judging from my own life, I think it makes more sense that children CHOOSE who they want as their parents. Growing up, we don't understand that concept, but in hindsight, it makes sense that we choose the two people that are going to put us through the tests that will ultimately help us become who we are supposed to be.

If we accept this reasoning, it becomes very simple to accept our children unconditionally, regardless if they are the "wrong" sex, don't have our physical or intellectual features, are missing digits, or were born with a life-threatening or mental illness. The benefits of acceptance are a major cause for healthy living.

A child that can grow without the feeling of needing to live up to something (or living something down), is well on its way to living for something much more important: themselves.

2. Hold Them -

We can all agree hugs feel good and we often have profound emotions while holding our children, but studies suggest these activities improve not only our mental health, but our physical health, as well. Decreased risk of heart disease, lower stress, lower blood pressure and better physical development, are just some of the benefits from hugging.

For adults, the protective feeling of being held helps us better face our day by raising our self esteem and is even thought to actually reduce pain. It is said children first respond to a parent's touch, and even at 32, I still feel safe when I get a hug from my parents.

By holding our children several times throughout the day, most importantly as their day begins, when it ends and before and after "stressful" events when possible, we not only increase our own health, we are giving our children the extra esteem and support to be who they are in the world.

3. Read To Them -

The benefits of reading to your children are vast and well documented. From the security a child feels from spending time on their parent's lap or laying next to them in bed, to increased apprehension and creativity, reading builds a special bond with your child.

Discussing morals and typical childhood problems with your child through stories is also one of the best ways to communicate these issues, and tells your child they are important to you.

Reading to your children is also linked to future successes. As your child listens to you read or describe pictures in a book, they learn new sounds, words, ideas and expand thinking skills. For many, including myself, reading is the catalyst for making meaningful career moves and finding the things we most enjoy or feel compelled to do.

4. Be Healthy -

Parents spend a lot of time worrying about the health of their children and often forget about their own health. Being mentally and physically healthy is important for the duration of your lives together and can leave your child's life in ruin as a child and as an adult.

Being healthy when our children are young allows us to set good eating habits, play with them, take trips, show them how to live and work, and allows them to live life without the constant worry of losing or taking care of one of the most important people in their lives.

By leading a healthy life, we increase the likelihood of retiring with our golden years somewhat secured and living a long and happy enough life our children can justify once we are gone. It also reduces the chance they will have to take care of us through a bout with cancer or heart disease or spend their life savings on our hospital bills.

5. Be Happy -

Whenever I speak to parents, they typically forget about their own happiness as a factor in the happiness of their children. Showering your children with new toys will never make them as happy as having a happy mommy and/or daddy.

A parents happiness can lead to lifelong benefits for their children, including having confidence in themselves, being a productive member of society and having healthy relationships with other people themselves.

By increasing their self-confidence and teaching them how to have loving, happy relationships with others, parents are also increasing their child's chances of landing the jobs and attracting the people they want to be happy, as well, completing a cycle they can continue with their own children.

I've struggled and failed with at least one of these areas throughout the majority of my fatherhood, but I have learned to give honest time and effort to each of them. As I've matured and adjusted my priorities and attitudes in life, not only have I become happier and felt more worthy, I have seen an amazing positive change in my children, as well.

We all want happy, well-rounded children, but struggle with being the same with ourselves. You can only give what you have to give away, and the more of these things you can give away, the more satisfied you will be with yourself and your relationship with your kids.

If you agree with the things above, let us know. The more we share, the more we are able to see new solutions to old problems.

If you have more important things we can do for our kids that we often take for granted, tell the community. I for one, am all ears.

This post is an experiment in blogging etiquette and was entered into the Problogger - Top 5 Group Writing Project. If you are interested in blogging or marketing yourself on the internet, this site is a valuable read.