It takes confidence to be a kid.
Every time you try to make new friends, every time you change environment, every time you have to “face” the adults. Parents expect their children to bravely take on all responsibilities by simply saying, “You’re a good boy, do it.”
What does “good kid” really mean?
The child who follows orders and doesn’t take initiative?
The child who is first in school? (if it’s third or fourth isn’t it a good boy?),
The child who sleeps and wakes up on time or maybe the child who sits in a corner so he doesn’t give his parents a headache?
It is clear that “good child” is a very general and subjective concept! All children are good, some do better in some areas and some others do better in others. It will be good if the parents are specific with the child and explain to him what he did wrong and how to correct it.
The same applies to the times they should reward the child:
“Well done for putting on your own shoes,”
“Well done for picking up your toys off the floor.”
We need precision in our expressions.
Although every child is different, parents can follow some general rules. Children develop their self-confidence not only from the “thumbs up” of their parents but also by recognizing their own achievements. If they can brush their little teeth by themselves, get dressed without help or ride a bike, it’s a very big step.
They realize that they are capable of doing things and every day they discover their potential. This is where parents should help by giving them the opportunity to practice and improve their skills every day.
Children have to make mistakes and the role of parents is to be there for them and encourage them to try again and again. The excitement and interest of the parents every time the child shows them his new discovery is a necessary recipe for continuing his efforts.
Given the necessary opportunities, proper instruction and a lot of patience on the part of parents, children can develop basic skills such as tying their shoelaces, putting on their cardigan, or drawing. Each new skill is a small bet they win with themselves. Let us be allies in their every endeavor.
