Learning from parents !

A pre-school child is a keen observer. From about two years, a child is sensing and feeling the environment. 

The immediate environment of a pre-school child is the ambience of the home created by his or her parents. 

When a child grows up in a home, where his parents relate to each other cordially, harmoniously and regardfully, it becomes an example for his social and reciprocal behaviour. When he hears polite conversations between his parents and watches his parents show respect and regard towards each other and share in the household chores, it impresses upon a child about some foundational values. 

Sometimes we complain about the habit of a pre-school child of demanding rather than asking and open to negotiate. I wonder whether we pause to think that a pre-school child picks up this habit from what he witnessed at home!

It was while watching this pair of Bulbuls restfully perched, I got a glimpse of the comfort level they share to be still ! It arises from a relational intimacy!

If the pre-school children can experience this relational intimacy between his or her parents, it leaves profound impact on a child to grow in trust towards his parents. A child grows in trust, when a pre-school child finds his parents always ready to receive and comfort him! Even when he or she shows an erratic behaviour, it is not threatening, scolding or punishment, which would bring change in a child, but a gentle caring approach to help him to choose another way. 

The pre-school period is a formational season in a child's life. All experiences are first time encounters. The unfamiliarity to a situation unsettles a child. It is when one of the parents explains to a three year old child, how and what to do, while visiting a neighbour's home he or she gets an introduction to the socially acceptable behaviour. 

One responsibility of parents toward their pre-school child is to make every opportunity for introducing the nuances of behaviour education. Many parents end up correcting a pre-school child because he or she was not introduced to the practice of desirable behaviour. 

A pre-school child is an observer, learner and imitator! His formative education in sound behaviour and character is part of the parenting responsibility!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)