Optimize the Potential of the Little One with These Methods

If children are gardens, then their parents are the gardeners. An attractive garden is a garden that is clean, beautiful, and consists of a variety of flowers. If the gardener neglects to do his job, then the garden will be destroyed and none of the flowers will grow. Similarly, in children, their positive characters resemble flowers in the garden. It should be watered and fertilized with love and affection to ensure that they grow optimally as expected.

When the Little One reaches the age of three to five years old, they begin to show their habits and character more clearly. At this stage, they also learn to become more independent, even though they still often rely on their parents or caregivers. Parents can see that the Little One is at the stage of building their self-confidence.

Within their age group, the Little One will begin to experience plenty of interactions with other peers of their own age. This social interaction will bring various benefits, including how to treat other individuals, share, take turns using existing facilities, and so on.

In addition, the relationship between the Little One and their parents will also develop to the next stage. They will begin to show concern for their parents, and they will also begin to understand that their parents also have wants, feelings, and needs. Also observe that they will begin to show their attraction demonstratively, for instance by suddenly kissing their Dad when he is relaxing while watching television.

The key to building the character of the Little One is in good and consistent parenting. Certainly, this important role is held by the parents. Observe the following tips that can be implemented in the process of building the character of the Little One:

Each Child has Their Own Identity

Parents should realize that there are no two children who have identical habits and character, not even twins. This should form the basis for building the character of the Little One. They should not be forced to become like someone else or be compared to another individual. They will certainly have a unique and positive side that distinguishes them from other individuals, which should be recognized, explored, and developed by their parents.

Playing is Learning

For the Little One, learning is more effective if it is done by playing. Playing has an important role in physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional development. By playing, the Little One learns to work in groups, resolve conflicts, cultivate imagination, make decisions, and try different roles. In addition, they will also learn about independence, creativity, leadership, and exploration.

Do Not Give Labels to the Little One

It is a big no-no to give nicknames to the Little One, such as “The Shy One”, “The Grumpy One”, and so on. This is feared for forcibly build their character, whereas they may actually be able to change and develop to be better if they were not assigned a certain nickname.

Set an Example, but Do Not Patronize

There is no better way to nurture the Little One compared to being a good example to them. Parents are the main examples for them. Demonstrate good values that can be followed by the Little One. Parents should avoid patronizing them and shaping them to become what they want. Let them explore, but remain responsible.

Another thing that can be done to optimize the growth and development of the Little One is by recognizing their type of intelligence. Currently, intelligence is only perceived based on their achievements in school. As a result of this, the Little One can be limited to only one or two types of intelligences alone, whereas there are other potentials within them that could have been developed. According to Dr. Howard Gardner, a psychologist from Harvard University, indicators for intelligence is not only seen from one aspect only, but covers many different areas in daily life. Want to know more about multiple intelligences and how to stimulate them? Parents can obtain more information at Morinaga Multiple Intelligence Play Plan. 

By implementing a positive parenting style, parents can guide and nurture the Little One so that they grow to become an independent, intelligent, and qualified individual.