English: Children at a parade in North College Hill, Ohio, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Do you bring up an obedient child who responds compliantly to commands? Or do you bring up a free spirit? Which is more important: the ability to fit into society and follow the directions of adults or a creative, free spirit? It may depend on one’s reasons for having children. In large families where there is a lot of work to be done and younger children to be taken care of the more obedient the child the better. In a small family or one blessed with only a single child, the parent may feel that he or she should let a child be a child for as long as they can. In the past, large families were common as parents could not easily choose when and if they had children. Also some parents feel it is Godly to procreate and expand God‘s family.
It is also important to have some knowledge of what a child is capable of doing at different ages. Pushing toilet training at too early of an age can lead to unfair harsh discipline of a child who can not yet control his or her bowels or bladder. Expecting an older child who is still a child him or herself to control younger siblings might lead to the abuse of his or her power or control over them. As children get older and they are given more priveledges as they are given more responsibilities, it becomes clear to them that they will benefit from this exchange
As much as possible children should be given the chance to choose what they do when it is appropriate. Some choices early on are determined by nature such as when they soil or wet themselves, whether they are hungry, and if they are sleepy. Infants don’t cry because they want to frustrate their parents. Children begin to use their senses and explore the world early on. Children should initially be given a safe place to do this. It is the foundation of a lot of their learning and reinforces creativity.
Related articles
- How Do I Persuade My Child to Be Obedient; or The Hammer and Nail Approach (doyourjobblog.com)
- The Child to Grandparent Connection (babyzone.com)
- Life Is a Learning Experience (myeverydaypsychology.com)
- An Afternoon in the Life of a Montessori Child (bevfollowsthechild.wordpress.com)
- Fearful Kids More Likely to Become Conservatives (news.discovery.com)
