Promote children?
This dearly meant mistake harms children for a lifetime
© NadyaEugene / Shutterstock
Parents only mean well when they encourage their children. But that has its pitfalls: Experts warn against the educational error of robbing children of freedom.
Clarinet lessons on Mondays, gymnastics on Wednesdays, and choirs on Fridays: The diaries of many children look almost as packed as their parents' calendars these days. After all, they want to do everything right – and give their child as much as possible along the way.
Often, however, the little ones' goals are mixed with secret adult wishes. "If I've never made it, at least my daughter should learn the piano!" Do you feel caught out? Many parents try to make their own dreams possible with their offspring. What you tend to forget: Even if the little creature looks like you can be confused and even acts like you do, it is an independent person. It can happen that while you are desperately trying to prepare them for life in the best possible way, you harm your child – and do exactly the opposite.
Early childhood support can limit children in the long term
In an interview with Focus Online, brain researcher Gerald Hüther gave interesting insights into the development of the smallest of our society. Above all, however, he does away with a popular prejudice: Those who permanently support their children can make their way into life much more difficult instead of easier.
How come By trying to guide the child in the right direction, by sending them to music or physical education classes, and teaching them to read and do arithmetic before school, they hinder their free, intellectual development. According to the expert, this consists primarily of exploring one's own environment and interests: "Children have an innate joy of discovery – until someone comes and tells them what to do now," warns the brain researcher.
If children are taken away from this urge to discover at an early age, it can actually affect them for a lifetime. Because it is more difficult for them to learn to form their own view of the world, free from the expectations and barriers of adults.
At the same time, free play, which Hüther defends in his book "Save Play!", Is important for the development of creativity, imagination, but also curiosity. The eternal question of "why?" pretty much every parent has experienced it before – but it does not happen when children are given their way in advance.
Above all, it is important that the little ones become happy and strong adults. They do not always have to be the best or like us – they are allowed to develop their very own personality. And they will learn that even without forced, early childhood support!
So when it comes to upbringing, the following applies: Less is more. Allow yourself and your child a little relaxation – they will know how to use the free time.