Parenting is one of the most important jobs a person can ever have. To raise a child, one of the next generation to become stewards of the world, is a tremendous responsibility.
We often discuss educating children for academic purposes and making them adept at different skills, but what about teaching kids the importance of being good to one another and to the earth? In today’s highly technological world, it sometimes feels like we are forgetting the human element – the part that binds us together. Maybe in light of all the technology, teaching children how to be kinder should have greater emphasis. Teaching generosity has become an increasingly important and more widely discussed topic among parents and educators, particularly around the holidays. Just like many things in life, the process of learning generosity has depth and breadth that goes beyond textbook lessons. The real classroom of generosity is ultimately in the home. Children model their parents. To raise good human beings, you must be a good human being, according to a recent blog from the Center For Parenting Education. Do you want your kids to learn the concept of sharing? Teach them that sharing is important and encourage them to share toys or break a piece of cake into smaller pieces so their friend can have some. These little lessons learned early can help mold a child into a generous adult. Also, effectively raising a kind hearted child means some introspection is needed. Kids model what they see, what they experience in their homes. Do they see you helping neighbors? Do you show the same kindness to others that you would like to see in your child? Do you donate to charity or go through your closets to find items to take to the local thrift store? Encouraging your child to participate in these activities with you will certainly make an impression. “Often your children are unaware when you write checks for charity or they do not see you when you run an errand for an infirm neighbor or cook a double batch of dinner for a struggling family. Let them know when you perform acts of kindness,” according to the blog. Take a moment after a volunteer effort or donating to explain to your child how you feel from helping others. Does a generous act make you feel kind? Helpful? Good? Tell your child. Create opportunities for your children to help others and praise them for their hard work. Encouragement goes a long way in helping to mold young minds. My family motto is to give back more than you take in every way. Through kindness, sharing and through every contribution you make in all aspects of your life. There is a bridge between potential and talent and that bridge is composed of support and encouragement. Many parents begin to look for signs of giftedness even before their children can walk, it does appear to be human nature. The age range for gifts to become apparent extends from around six years old all the way to the late teenage years. Every child is a miracle, a unique genetic culmination of atoms and synapses and they can develop at different rates. “About 99 percent of your body is made up of atoms of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. You also contain much smaller amounts of the other elements that are essential for life… The hydrogen atoms in you were produced in the big bang, and the carbon nitrogen and oxygen atoms were made in burning stars,” according to an article titled “The particle physics of you”. Some people are simply born with gifts, some are highly capable in one area or in several areas, including both intellectually and creatively. Recognizing that and helping children reach their full potential is an important job for parents and educators. “Gifted children become talented when you support and encourage them to use their natural gifts to learn, concentrate and practise,” according to a website specializing in parenting. A number of factors can influence if a gifted child’s ability can become a talent, including family values, educational opportunities, personality, motivation, health and even luck. “Generally, by late primary school age or the teenage years, a gifted and talented child will be achieving at a very high level in one or more areas,” according to the parenting article. Your child’s gifts can be in a number of different areas, including: academic learning, leadership, social issues, technology, the arts, the ability to make friends, business skills, and physical skills like sports or dancing. Advanced developmental skills can be spotted in a variety of ways, including if your child naturally relates better to older children rather than children their own age, the ability to read at an early age, or even exhibiting advanced athletic ability. While learning certain things can come easily to gifted children, they also often require support in other areas. For example, they may become easily bored with coursework if they are not properly challenged, may have difficulty relating to children their age and might have difficulty following strict rules if they excel at developing new ideas. “Families of gifted children need to help them to understand others, manage challenges and learn life skills. Your family is a safe and secure place where your child is accepted and loved for who they are,” according to the article. |
AuthorDr. Angela Carol MD,CCFP,FCFP is a family physician focused on treating chronic illnesses. Archives
May 2022
Categories |