In an increasingly technological context that prioritizes relationships and virtual realities, it is urgent to reinforce in our children the use of “magic words”: “good morning”, “please”, “thank you”, “excuse me”, “I’m sorry”. ”…By doing so we are instilling gestures of mutual respect and reciprocity that build bridges for harmonious coexistence.

Babies are very receptive to any stimulus in their environment. They are attentive to the words and conversations, tones of voice and gestures of their parents and caregivers. Research has shown that parenting styles that promote emotional bonds, respect, tolerance and collaboration contribute to the development of social skills. The more stimulating and supportive the environment in early childhood, the greater the child’s potential to learn and achieve healthy all-round development.

Between 2 and 6 years old, children learn intuitively. A child who is treated with respect and who is accustomed to hearing the “magic words” from a very early age will learn to use them by imitation.

However, from the age of 7 they are already able to consciously discover different nuances of social behavior and understand the great power that “magic words” have to preserve relationships. At that age they begin to give more importance to friendship, to enjoy collaboration, addressing other people’s needs and interests different from their own. That is why second childhood (7 to 12 years) is known as the “golden age” for learning values and reinforcing prosocial behaviors.

Prosocial behaviors should be taught and promoted in the family and school, avoiding possible difficulties in adolescence. In this way, we will have young people who are respectful, tolerant, equitable and focused on the common good to develop a “culture of peace.” It is in our hands as educators to sow the seeds to create a “more humane and sustainable” world.

Gloria E. Gurmendi

Psychologist Euroamerican College / C.Ps.P 625