Letting Children Be Children inhibits their Development

As parents, we often want to shield our children from the harsh realities of the world. We speak to them in gentle tones, use baby language, and avoid talking about adult topics. However, does this parenting style help or hinder our children's development and ability to navigate the real world?

While it may seem easier to speak to our children in baby language, using adult communication can help children develop their intellectual skills and encourage them to grow and learn more quickly. Personally, I have chosen that I will treat my child like an adult, speaking to them in a neutral tone of voice and using language that facilitates learning. This approach will not only teach my child how to make better choices in life, but it will also encourage self-reflection and self-discipline.

Treating children like adults does not mean being harsh, or using vulgar language and profanity, it also does not mean ignoring their specific developmental needs; it simply means offering them the respect they deserve and treating them as equals in terms communication. This approach creates an environment where children feel heard, trusted, and respected. It allows them to take ownership of their learning and development and prepares them to face the real world with confidence.

There are several instances where treating children like adults can positively impact their development. For example, I recently came across an Instagram account of a child named Semanj, whose mother follows a similar parenting approach as I intend to. Semanj is an extremely bright child, and his mother once mentioned that his development is a result of the way his parents communicates with him. She says that they never speak with him like he's a baby, and this has helped Semanj develop excellent cognitive abilities.

Another significant advantage of treating children like adults is that it can encourage them teach themselves through reflections. The philosophy of self-teaching involves teaching children how to learn and absorb knowledge, instead of spoon-feeding them information. This approach helps children develop self-discipline and can positively impact both their academic performance and personal growth.

Teaching children to be independent thinkers and self-teachers involves giving them the tools and resources necessary to develop these skills. One way to do this is by creating an environment that fosters self-learning. For example, providing them with age-appropriate books and resources that are linked with real-world lessons as opposed to having toys just for the fun of it. Also, by allowing them to examine random objects that they find around their environment, especially those that are not harmful to them.

I think that as parents, we play a crucial role in shaping our children's thinking and development. I believe that everything as mentioned here can help kids become more confident, capable individuals and better people when they grow older.