How to Help Children Properly
Our goal isn't to make a child's life easier, but to help them become independent, confident people ready for any challenges.
How to help children properly if you don't want to instill the habit of running from problems and learned helplessness?
It's important to find a balance between support and independence. And since my work involves creating and solving problems, I have something to say about this.
Consequences of Overprotection
In practice, I sometimes notice consequences of overprotection — this can have undesirable consequences for psyche and socialization.
1. Forming Self-Confidence
When we solve everything for a child, they get used to the idea they can't cope themselves. This can lead to insecurity and dependence on others' opinions.
2. Developing Responsibility
A child who's constantly helped often doesn't learn to take responsibility. This can affect their success in studies, career, and personal life.
3. Social Skills
If a child doesn't solve tasks independently, they interact less with other children and adults, avoiding difficult situations. Result — difficulties in socialization and adaptation in society.
How to Help Properly
1. Guide, But Don't Do For the Child
Instead of solving the task for them, suggest where to start and how to analyze the situation.
2. Give the Right to Make Mistakes
Mistakes are part of learning. Let the child make them so they learn to fix them.
3. Support Interest, Don't Impose
Find what interests your child and create conditions for development in this sphere.
4. Be an Example
Set an example of independence and ability to solve problems.
The Main Thing
Our goal isn't to make a child's life easier, but to help them become independent, confident people ready for any challenges.