Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Myth: Children are Not Very Capable

For different reasons we often do not think our kids are very capable and as a result we end up doing too many things for them. The more you do for your child the more you weaken your child. If we view our kids as not capable how will they be capable teens and adults? They will end up looking to others for guidance and not within, which is where the true answer lies.

New Idea:
Kids are Capable. Be Willing to Ask for Their Advice

Walton Story by Susie

Christopher is the youngest of my sons. When he was in fourth grade he loved rollerblading. One day I asked him to teach me how to rollerblade. He was very patient in teaching me and we had a blast. Later on, he asked his older brother Luke if he wanted to learn. Luke did, so outside they went. When they came back in the house you could see how happy Christopher was feeling having taught his mom and older brother how to rollerblade.


Teaching Point:

Kids love to be helpful if given the chance at a young age. Give children age-appropriate opportunities to help around the house. At early ages, children want to help with the dusting, the cooking, the table setting, and the cleaning. This is the easiest and best time to teach children these skills. It is helpful to the whole family and will be helpful to them when they move out and begin life on their own. At first, it will take a little bit longer to show them how to dry the pan, how to fold the hand towel, how to put the napkins around the table, or how to dust the coffee table, but the dividends are well worth the investment.

TIPS:

1. Have your children teach you something new.

2. Ask their advice on a problem.

3. Be willing to let your kids help you. No need to play
'supermom' or 'superdad'







Indigo Village

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for busting this myth! A link will be in the November 16 issue of Parenting News.

    See you at the conference this weekend!

    Maggie Macaulay, MS Ed
    www.WholeHeartedParenting.com

    ReplyDelete