By Patricia Gaminde
Parents, however, tend to anticipate the actions of their children. They do so out of fear, because it is more convenient, or simply out of the belief that the child isn’t able to do something on their own. What if we trusted their abilities and gave them the chance to be more self-reliant?
“It’s important for children to strive for independence through small daily tasks.”
How can I help my child grow up with confidence and self-esteem? That is something important to keep in mind as well, an area where parents are particularly important. According to New York psychologist William James, from their early years children start to develop the ability to judge the expectations their parents set on them, and from there establish the bottom line for self-confidence.
A child who realizes they are able of putting on their bib and taking it off by themselves, who takes off their pants without help or towels off alone after a bath, realizes they have overcome a challenge.
According to one of her studies, by age 5 the brain reaches 80% of its adult size, thus proving the plasticity of the minds of children and their potential to learn while, at the same time, they satisfy their curiosity and stay motivated.
We must give our children the chance to experience new things, take their ability to learn into consideration and help them be more independent. Greater self-reliance usually involves a higher-self esteem, and this is the way to help our children evolve and grow into healthy adults. Let us walk together with them on their journey.
With a Master’s degree in Psychoanalytical Clinical Practice of Children and Teenagers from University of Barcelona, she collaborates with the Centro Psicopedagógico and other public institutions specializing in child care such as the Orienta Hospitalet Foundation, the Eulalia Torres de Beà Foundation, and the Canigó School.