October 22, 2015
As an adult, it’s easy to forget the limitations we faced as children. If I crave a cupcake or ice cream before dinner, no one is there to stop me. If I choose to leave my room after lights out, there’s no one questioning my actions. This newfound freedom can be liberating, yet it makes it challenging to remember what it was like to navigate a world filled with rules and constraints.
While I have not become a parent in the conventional sense, I’ve embraced a parental role in my capacity as a middle school English teacher. I can already hear some of you shuddering at the thought of willingly entering a classroom full of preteens. I understand; I’ve witnessed my fair share of eye rolls and dramatic hair flips. However, my experiences have provided me with valuable insights into children that may not always be apparent to their parents, preparing me for my future role as a parent.
1. Children Experience Fear
If you’ve ever asked a 13-year-old to stand before their peers, you know that even the most confident among them would rather avoid the spotlight. It took me quite a while to realize that the reluctance to help pass out papers stemmed from their desire to avoid attention. Life can be intimidating, and it’s the responsibility of parents and adults to help mitigate this fear. When children return home after a day of suppressing their true selves, they crave the freedom to be who they are meant to be. Encourage them to embrace their authentic selves rather than dismissing their feelings as childish. Let them dream, and nurture those ambitions until they feel empowered to pursue them.
2. Children Crave Parental Engagement
When a child neglects to turn in their homework, they often put on a brave front in front of their friends, but once alone with their teacher, remorse sets in. They may attempt to negotiate to ensure that their parents remain unaware of their shortcomings. Unbeknownst to parents, children frequently ponder their thoughts and feelings regarding them. Questions like “Are they proud of me?” or “Will they forgive me?” occupy their minds. The answers to these inquiries should always be affirmative.
3. Children Are Inherently Creative—Encourage It
Creativity flourishes at a young age. My 2-year-old nephew once declared we were embarking on a journey to outer space. His imagination painted a picture of wonder that many adults have long forgotten. Embrace your child’s creativity and ask them where their ideas originate. Encourage them to dream big and remind them that the only limits to their aspirations are self-imposed. As they grow, it is natural to distinguish between reality and fantasy, but let’s aim to preserve that imaginative spirit and observe the extraordinary outcomes.
4. Children Sometimes Resort to Dishonesty
At some point, children learn that lies can serve as a protective shield. They may fabricate stories to simplify complex situations, and sometimes they convince themselves of their own falsehoods. I’ve witnessed teenagers struggle to admit mistakes, and it often leaves me pondering how to guide them forward. Address these untruths without disdain; instead, approach the situation with an understanding that fear of the truth can lead to these fabrications. Use these moments as opportunities to demonstrate the liberating power of honesty.
5. Children Require Support
Life is a complex puzzle, and children need assistance piecing it together. They may not know how to articulate their needs, making the role of a parent or teacher particularly challenging. It is vital to recognize when to step in and offer help. While I don’t claim to understand the sleepless nights of parenthood or the anxieties tied to waiting for a newly licensed teen to return home, I do know that striving to understand your child better each day—embracing their uniqueness and forgiving their inevitable mistakes—constitutes the essence of effective parenting.
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In summary, parenting involves a profound responsibility to nurture and understand children. By fostering their creativity, addressing their fears, and providing support, we can guide them through the complexities of life, ensuring they feel loved and valued.
Keyphrase: A Teacher’s Insights on Parenting
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