The development of a child’s personality is always a great challenge. Educating is not easy. Children are not born with an instruction manual and each human being is unique in their characteristics and possibilities. The issue is that although we are born with a temperament, the environment is responsible for molding us. We know that temperament is congenital due to some signs such as the level of activity, the reaction to unpleasant situations and the response to social stimuli of newborns. But it is the parents’ job to educate character, providing values and establishing clear routines and limits. Children learn certain mechanisms of social regulation through school life. However, at school there are children who are more impetuous and others who are more shy. In both cases and in order to achieve harmonious development, parents must work to help their children modulate their temperament by developing some characteristics that balance them. It is necessary to encourage our children to express and defend their own wishes and rights in a kind, respectful, direct and appropriate way.

TIPS FOR PARENTS OF IMPETUAL CHILDREN

TIPS FOR PARENTS OF SHY CHILDREN

– Establish clear boundaries, being firm but loving at the same time. – Practice relaxation techniques as a family. – Be patient and understanding with your child’s rhythm, help him regulate himself. – Teach him the difference between speaking respectfully and yelling or insulting. – Teach him to move carefully, without hitting or pushing others. – Teach him to be careful with his materials and those of his classmates. – Congratulate him when he shows attitudes and values that you want to instill in him. – Teach him the difference between aggressiveness and assertiveness.

– Strengthen your self-esteem. -Avoid doing for your child what he is already capable of doing for himself. – Give him small responsibilities. – Celebrate your initiatives. – Promote your autonomy. – Organize family conversations and listen carefully when he speaks. – Teach him to make eye contact when speaking. – Do “role play” with your child, teaching him or her to resolve social situations that he or she does not know how to deal with. -Show him your support and understanding, but don’t act for him. – Teach him the difference between passivity and assertiveness.

Gloria E. Gurmendi

Psychologist Euroamerican College / C.Ps.P 625