April 2024
During our training session today, we discussed child development. Our trainer asked us about both the enjoyable and tedious events we experienced during our childhood, and each participant shared their own personal experiences. As a child, we felt happy when we received love, encouragement, and praise from others, and when we had the opportunity to learn new things. Conversely, we felt bad when we were scolded or punished by others. Hence our trainer said that we should not repeat the same mistakes that were made to us when we were children. Instead of scolding, we should encourage our children with love and positivity to help them grow. When we asked others about their aspirations for their future child, they all said that they want their child to be well-behaved and successful. However, simply wishing for this is not enough. We must actively work towards making our children disciplined and successful.
Again, our trainer explained that when we plant a certain type of fruit, we cannot expect to get a different type of fruit. For instance, we cannot expect to find mangoes growing on a litchi tree or vice versa. Each fruit bears its own kind. Similarly, children exhibit both positive and negative behaviors, which are often influenced by how they are treated and the environment they grow up in.
Providing children with the best care in a positive environment is essential for their development.
A child undergoes development in five ways, with physical and mental development occurring simultaneously. Adequate nutrition, access to a child development center, love and affection, teaching them to respect others, and instilling the habit of sharing are crucial for a child’s development. Additionally, a good neighborhood environment is important for the development of a child. Politeness in speech, love and care between individuals, positive actions by elders, and good behavior all contribute to a child’s growth.
We often hear that we should inform our children when we leave the house, even if they are sleeping. But how can a sleeping child understand what we are saying? It’s important not to make promises to our child that we cannot keep, as this can lead to a habit of not believing. Similarly, by rewarding our child with chocolates, biscuits, or other items for small tasks, we develop a habit of always expecting something in return. Therefore, it’s best to avoid such habits.
By the age of 6, a child has developed around 90% of their cognitive abilities. Just like a blank sheet of paper, we can shape our child’s development through careful and deliberate attention during their early years. Children learn through observation, imitation, and positive reinforcement. They are influenced by the way we behave towards them, and so they learn good behavior when we treat them kindly and bad behavior when we display negative behavior. It is important to invest time and effort in shaping our child’s development during their formative years.
It is important to speak politely and with a sweet tone when communicating with children. They are naturally curious, so it’s important to maintain eye contact and provide meaningful responses to their questions. Praising them for their efforts and helping them when they are doing their best is also crucial. The way we speak to children should be different from the way we speak to family members.
Unfortunately, some parents have a habit of scolding and punishing their children, while also quarreling and fighting in front of them. In some families, there may be a lack of communication skills and respect for one another, leading to jealousy and other negative emotions.
After having this discussion, I decided to commit to stop scolding and beating my children. Instead, I will start supporting them in their work, and we will live together as a coordinated family. I will ensure that my children attend school regularly and provide them with a well-balanced diet after learning about the importance of nutrients. Additionally, I will share with them the vegetables that I sell in the market.
Thanks to the SLISHA Organization and WAWCAS Program, we have the opportunity to learn new things and improve our lives.