One of the first things we teach our children is that we think they can’t be trusted. ‘Put your coat on’ we say, when they know they aren’t cold. ‘Just one more spoonful’ we say when they tell us they’re full. ‘Be careful’ or ‘Slow down’ we say, as they climb and explore.
As an educator I don’t like ‘be careful’ or ‘watch out’. Be careful of what exactly? Watch out for what? I think if there’s a danger talk about how to overcome it, ‘look left and right and listen for cars before you cross’ (any uk people remember stop, look, listen and think?). If the log is slippy ‘The log is slippy, remember to walk slowly with your arms out’. Children are learning and with these comments they can learn out to be more independent.
It’s easy to over-function as a parent and stifle the growth of our children. Stepping back teaches them we trust them and they can trust themselves, they can have a go at solving problems, self-advocating, self-managing. Supporting them like this allows growth, which is what we want for our children. It also requires growth from us as parents! Something to pray for.
Step back, I love this verb. Sometimes we may fail to do it but at least notice our worry and recognize the overwhelm, then trust our children, they know better 😊
As an educator I don’t like ‘be careful’ or ‘watch out’. Be careful of what exactly? Watch out for what? I think if there’s a danger talk about how to overcome it, ‘look left and right and listen for cars before you cross’ (any uk people remember stop, look, listen and think?). If the log is slippy ‘The log is slippy, remember to walk slowly with your arms out’. Children are learning and with these comments they can learn out to be more independent.
This is a great reminder, thank you.
It’s easy to over-function as a parent and stifle the growth of our children. Stepping back teaches them we trust them and they can trust themselves, they can have a go at solving problems, self-advocating, self-managing. Supporting them like this allows growth, which is what we want for our children. It also requires growth from us as parents! Something to pray for.
Thank you again, lovely to read this today.
Step back, I love this verb. Sometimes we may fail to do it but at least notice our worry and recognize the overwhelm, then trust our children, they know better 😊
Thank you, once again, for the confirmation, Dr Fisher 🙏