part of parents. Another study by Kokkinos and Voulgaridou (2017) found that permissiveness in parenting styles contributes to the development of aggressive behaviors.
It might be a toy, or just something she hasn’t seen before. It will be scrutinized from every angle, and any feature that moves will be explored. Her inquisitiveness is a lesson for how adults can sometimes enjoy life when we are not overstressed.
Growth toward a sense of control, independence and kindness I believe babies and small The question for all of us children are active by nature. They are exploring (and this is relevant) is knowing what really matters to all the time when they are not sleeping and eating. us. We want our children to They are touching, tasting, be smart, popular and wellpulling, opening and taking dressed. Is that it? the blocks out of the box, and (sometimes) putting Recently, I visited with her and them back. I think to the her mom. We spent an hour in extent that we can, we should a downstairs playroom. I am be noticing, rejoicing and using a cane to walk. When it praising these multitudinous was time to go, her concerned actions. (In the meantime, we mother asked me if I could need to restrain ourselves stand up and if I had my cane. from interfering with actions This small child took my hand that are not complete, quick to help lead me out of the or perfect as we ourselves room. She had to stop when would do them.) I know this we got to the stairs; she is isn't easy. We are busy, and it's strictly forbidden to go near often easier to do it ourselves them herself. I went up the when the two-year-old says: stairs first. The child was in her “Me do it.” mother’s I know a very active, curious arms 15-month old. She loves every new “thing.”
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behind me. She pushed me a little to help me get up. This made an adorable five-second video on Facebook. However, what was equally important was her mother’s comment: “Love her compassionate, helpful and caring spirit already.” The question for all of us (and this is relevant) is knowing what really matters to us. We want our children to be smart, popular and welldressed. Is that it? If so, we may be setting them up to look for happiness only in accomplishments, popularity and the latest styles: a recipe for bullying and being targeted for bullying. So being active and coming to know I can do all sorts of things (getting the containers out of Mommy’s kitchen drawer, and making Daddy laugh) can also be paired with being helpful. Adults teach by where they put their time and emphasis, what they reward with smiles and laughter, and the behavior they model. Independence and autonomy need to be learned gradually, beginning with small decisions. My personal
