The Making of a Great Child

The Making Of A Great Child

© 2011

by

Stephen A. Peterson

Contributing Writer

Virtually every parent desires to rear a great child. But a great child doesn’t just happen; it takes time; being thoughtful as well as effort. A young child is a sponge. They take in the verbal and non-verbal actions and behaviors of their parents—both appropriate and inappropriate. Although the perfect parent doesn’t exist, we do have in our arsenals the power to learn from what we do and don’t do then make corrections.

As a child grows, parents are encouraged to never:

1. Compare the talents, skills and abilities of one child with that of another child. These comparisons are one of the surest ways to make one of your children feel like a nobody. It is also certain to fuel sibling rivalry. Comparisons are not effective ways to encourage a child to be a musician, succeed in school or swing a successful golf club. It will only impair confidence. The more a parent emphases their child’s weaknesses, the more likely they are to believe what you say. Though difficult, parents are encouraged to accept their child’s strengths, weaknesses and uniqueness.

2. Tell a child to act they’re I.Q. and not they’re age. A child should never be insulted for acting within their developmental level. A three year old child will cry, fall or drop our car keys in the toilet. We are delighted when they display adult-like behaviors. The reality is that at some point a child will fear the monster in the closet; be self-centered; stubborn; throw temper tantrums. Every parent who has a child often forgets that their beautiful, smart child and be frustrating and a challenge at the worst time.

3. “Slow down! You’ll fall and break your neck!” Parents often want to protect their child from everything. We can’t. Such warnings though often are disregarded by a child. Humans are risk takers who are mostly successful. So, at some point, your child will take risks in...