As we spend our days busy, adults sometimes tend to see their children's behavior as "troublesome = negative." In those cases, simply changing the way adults see things a little can make parenting a lot more fun.
This time, we will focus on "ways to make parenting more enjoyable."
When in doubt, change your perspective
Daily life with children is full of surprises. When your children were babies, you may have felt encouraged and happy watching them grow and develop.
However, as children grow up, have you ever come across situations that adults find troubling, such as restlessness, stubbornness, or self-centeredness? When you are in a position where you may be viewing your child's personality or temperament in a negative light, I recommend that you change your perspective.
For example, try switching from a negative perspective to a positive one, such as changing a "selfish child" to a "child who is assertive" or a "child who is slow to act" to a "child who does things carefully."
By doing so, parents themselves will be able to see their child's growth and discover their good points, which may make them feel more positive and a little more at ease.
Turn troublesome behavior into a positive one
Many children in their early childhood years have particular preferences for play and behavior. Even if you find their preferences troubling, try changing your perspective.
Children's "particularities" are the result of their interests and passions. They also "have a calming effect on the mind." Once a child is fully satisfied, they will naturally move on to the next activity, so when you are troubled and think, "This again...", take it in a positive way and watch over them by saying, "They've mastered it." Perhaps it will help them develop a wonderful talent.
On the other hand, if a child keeps changing the type of play they play, you might think they are "easily bored" or "lack concentration." However, if you look closely, you'll see that they are enjoying a variety of play activities while gradually changing the way they play and where they play, so you can change your perspective and think they are "curious" or "highly interested."
As you can see, behind what may seem like troublesome behavior or shortcomings, there are actually good things about the child. First, change your perspective and focus on the good things about the child.
Change your perspective and spread positive words
In order for parents to change their perspective on their child's behavior, it is important to always think, "What if I look at it from a different perspective?" when you feel something is negative. Then, when you find something good about your child, try to tell them positive things.
When parents empathize with their children by saying things like "You're trying your best" or "That's amazing," children feel that their parents are "people who understand them," and they are able to feel at ease and express themselves. Since the early childhood stage is an important time for children to express themselves as much as possible, it is very important to have an environment where they can express themselves freely.
I also recommend sharing your positive outlook with your family. Perceptions can differ between men and women, and depending on age, so learning that there are various ways to look at things positively can help you relax.
Enjoy raising your child while imagining how he or she will grow up.
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Editor: Yuko Fukushima (Principal of Mirai Tachibanadori Nursery School) The most important thing during early childhood is to teach good behavior, and to acknowledge and praise children when they do it. |
