Guiding Children Successfully Educational Guides
Program 9. Are Children Angels, Devils or Clay? Working with Human Nature
Think about the last time you felt your child was being “devilish.” What
were the circumstances of the event? Were you or your child tired or
stressed? How might you better handle the situation next time?
1. Our belief about human nature makes a difference in the way we act.
Do you think of people in general as basically good, bad, or clay?
Do you see your children as good, bad, or clay?
2. To be effective we must acknowledge all parts of human nature.
How can you cultivate the good in your child while acknowledging the bad
and keep a balance?
Do you ever find yourself looking for the bad in your child? How can you
change this behavior to a more healthy form of guidance where you notice the
good and set clear limits?
3. We can encourage the best parts of human nature.
If we assume the best about our children and are patient with them, do
you think they are more likely to seem like angels?
Do you ever find yourself failing to notice the good in your child? How
might you spend more time celebrating the good in your child?
Think about the names or labels you call your child. How does your child
feel about those names or labels? How might you improve the names and labels
you use to address your child?
It is important to remember to set children up for success.
Is there any way you can be more aware of the good in your child?
For additional information, see web units at
www.arfamilies.org. Of
particular relevance to this program are:
Understanding Your Child's Uniqueness;
Understanding Circumstances and Children; and
Nothing Matters like Love
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