I was at the children’s playground one day with my niece and nephew, and being the big kid I am, I decided to climb a tree. You’ll never guess what happened…
There’s no doubting the importance of free range time for children when it comes to learning and discovering the world around them, but I believe there’s something much less spoken about, albeit equally important. Their thoughts, behaviors and beliefs are largely influenced by their parents. Parental actions, words and behaviors play a huge role in kids’ development and are highly beneficial in all aspects of life.
Children are big sponges.
They observe you, the babysitter, the TV.. all the words, beliefs and actions and will mimic a lot of it.
Do you have doubts about this? Then, have you ever seen your child cling to your mobile phone like you do? Or drop the occasional swear word… just like daddy (of course)? Or do something around the house the way you do it?
While we have to watch what we do around these little spies, we can use it to our advantage, to give them a good start in life, physically and mentally. The best part is we really don’t have to teach the children anything! Just be mindful of our own actions and words, let them observe what we’re doing and the lessons we want them to lean, and allow their curious nature to do its thing.
Some positive things that you can deliberately teach your children through allowing them to observe you are:
Less screen time
The importance of outdoor play for children and adults. Remember that the “I’m too big to play” line is burning an impression into their brains
It’s ok to fall over. In fact, you can make it quite a celebrated achievement, and therefore confidence around it, with the right attitude!
It’s ok to get wet and dirty!
How to handle adversity. The “she’ll be right” attitude to help them get over upsetting situations quicker and be less impacted in the future
Empathy for themselves and others
Balancing and agility, jumping, climbing… basically more confidence moving in everyday life
How to build and fix things
Conflict resolution
More appreciation for nature and the environment
How to form and grow positive relationships
Really the list of positive things you can let your child observe is endless. Children are watching and absorbing information regardless of whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing.
We might as well take it into our own hands as much as possible and not the media’s
Oh and about that tree I was climbing… Once I had enough of climbing, I decided to sit down.
I must have left quite a big impression because not long after I’d sat down I noticed the number of kids who left the real playground equipment to climb trees.
It was amazing!
Clint
Disclaimer:
This disclaimer governs your use of Autism & Beyond website and blog. By using this website, you accept this disclaimer in full. If you disagree with any part of this disclaimer, do not use this blog, this website or any affiliated websites, properties, or companies. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. You should therefore check back periodically for changes. By using this website after we post any changes, you agree to accept those changes, whether or not you have reviewed them.
All information and resources found here are based on the opinions of the author unless otherwise noted. All information is intended to motivate readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their health care provider. I am not a doctor, lawyer, psychiatrist, therapist, or your mother, and I don’t play one on the internet.
The author of this site encourages you to consult a doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information on this site should be relied upon to determine diet, make a medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.
None of the posts and articles by Autism & Beyond may be re-printed without express written permission of the author. Autism & Beyond will respond to written requests to re-print parts of posts and excerpts/quotes (10% or less) may be reprinted with attribution as long as all links are left intact.
Comments