I believe in trusting my child and allowing him to freely explore his world without being constantly told “no” or “you can’t do that”. I trust that he is capable of working through tough situations that he might get himself into. I don’t stop him or try to help him. I trust that he will tell me when he needs help…and he does.
Here’s what I mean:
I watched as J took a branch bigger than he is all they way up the playground equipment and push it down a 7 foot slide…without help.
I trusted that he could figure out how to get that branch up there by himself. It was hard and he struggled a bit but he made it, all by himself! You should have seen the glee in this child’s eyes when that branch finally made it down the slide! What an amazing accomplishment he had! He loved it so much that he did the entire thing 3 more times…struggles and all!
I don’t interfere…and I don’t say “no”. I say “I trust you” and you can figure it out. I think that’s a pretty important message to send a child.
Just my two cents!
![Picture8_thumb[2]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gklD2ss81aQ/TsQ2wRY98eI/AAAAAAAADUc/2FvR7jKfM8E/s1600-h/Picture8_thumb%25255B2%25255D%25255B2%25255D.png "Picture8_thumb[2]")
Good thought. I need to work on this myself. My 4 year old gets frustrated when she can’t do things so I probably help her too much. I’m going to try to back off a bit and give her the confidence she needs.
-http://watchmeplaynlearn.blogspot.com/
I love this, thank you so much for posting it! While I don’t have children of my own, I am a nanny and am always AMAZED how parents talk to their children at the park! I once encouraged a shy little boy to play with the shy little boy (3 yo) I was watching. After 15 minutes of Jed encouraging his new friend to climb up ladders and rock walls (with me standing behind them), the mother came up and expressed how amazed she was that he son could go up ladders by himself since she had never let him try!
I am very happy to find your blog and look forward to your insights!
Thanks for the comments about this. I think trust is something some parents have a hard time with, due to fear. I think most parents would be amazed at what their children can do if given space to do it.
Thanks for following along and I look forward to more of your insights!