This Jamaican proverb may be one we just do not hear quite often enough. In translation, it means children mimic the behavioural pattern of the impacting adults in their lives. Renowned Psychologist Albert Bandura’s theory of social learning emphasizes that persons (children included) can learn through observation, imitation and modelling. Remember, children are like sponges – they soak up what they see and hear within their environs. Therefore, the formative years, birth through age 8, should be nurtured because they are the most delicate years, strongly influencing the rest of a child’s life.
It warms our hearts to interact with generous children. Generosity is the quality of being kind, understanding and unselfish. Adults have the task of educating children on how to be generous then follow up with simulated and planned opportunities for them to apply knowledge.
There are, for example, many children who are less fortunate and are in need of basic comforts such as food and clothes. When you are baking cookies or brownies for your family, explain to your children that you are making an extra special batch for those at the nearest Children’s Home. Let them know this act may bring a bright smile to those children’s faces.
“Wha di goat duh, di kid fallah!”
Take your child with you and have them assist with sharing the treats, giving them a first-hand opportunity to witness how small acts of kindness impact those around them; in no time, they will be suggesting numerous ways to keep ‘paying it forward’.
Parents, be warned: selfish behaviour (egocentrism) is a normal phase, common in toddlers who see everything in the world as an extension of themselves. Do no excuse this behaviour and hold back training. Help them to consider others and they will be well on their way to becoming model citizens.
Children enjoy getting things and we may not realize that if we give them everything they not only need but want, they become selfish, ungrateful and behave entitled. How scary is that! One clever way to combat this is to teach them the value of money. Children’s money habits are formed at least by the age of seven (again, the formative years).
Helping them learn the value of money is by no means a tedious task. Why not create a chart with your child (a fun bonding activity) with age and developmental appropriate activities? Ask them what things they think they can do as a chore around the house to help mommy or daddy. Can they feed the cat? Can they put the placemats on the dinner table at suppertime? Can they pick up all their toys and pack them away? When they have completed all their activities, you can reward them monetarily and encourage saving this allowance in their piggy-bank. What you have taught them is work ethics, responsibility, citizenship, a sense of value, confidence, purpose and accomplishment! Whatever you do, do not forget to reward your child with praise, which builds their self-esteem and shows them they are valued and appreciated.
This article originally appeared in Vol.8 #8, 2016 Issue.