Children form their identity between the ages of 3–7. During this time, over-controlling, comparison and ignoring the feelings of the parents weakens their identity.
Parenting Mistakes for 3 to 7 Children: 3 to 7 years, is the age for the child when the child learns more by playing, eating and crying. Like saying things in complete sentences, saying what he likes or doesn’t like, telling that he is crying but why, being able to tell what is my name, who am I, what do I do or can do, things like learning. If children do not get the right environment and upbringing at this age, then the child’s social development and self-confidence do not become strong. Let us know in this article what mistakes parents of children of this age should not make.
If we look at the age of 3 to 7 years, then identity would mean how the child sees himself. What do you think about yourself? What can he do? The child’s development of how people see him.
Identity development stage
In 3 to 4 years, children develop the feeling of ‘I can do it myself’ or ‘I will do it’. He starts understanding his likes and dislikes.
At the age of 4 to 5 years, a child can understand who he likes, how he wants to become, like putting himself in the role of doctor, teacher, mom and dad. At this age, the child observes others and adopts their behavior.
At the age of 5 to 6 years, the child starts differentiating between himself and others. Understanding of gender also develops in him. He is a boy, I am a girl. The child begins to understand what he looks like, how I look.
At this age of 6 to 7 years, the child understands what he likes to do and what he doesn’t. He understands social rules. He is able to compare himself with others. The child understands comparative behaviour. At this age, children develop the ability to deal with problems.
Controlling children’s freedom: It is often seen that parents consider their children aged between 3 to 7 years so small that they do not allow them to do any work independently, such as deciding what clothes the children should wear.
compare: Hey look, Sharma ji’s son is of the same age as our son but he behaves so well. He listens to everything his mother says, but our child does not understand anything.
Underestimating children’s emotions: If you are asked to do any work, you feel scared. You start crying alone in the room. I was here so why are you crying? Parents often ignore this kind of feeling of small children. Due to which the child starts considering himself inferior.
Criticizing children: Instead of encouraging children when they do or learn something new, finding faults in it or criticizing it reduces the child’s self-confidence.
Give your children the freedom to express their preferences. Let them decide small things like what to wear, what to play with.
If the child is saying that he is scared, he is missing you, then believe him. Understand his feelings.
When your child says something to you, listen carefully instead of ignoring it.
Look at the efforts of the children and praise them more than their results.
Give children freedom but set rules.
Inspire them to learn from their mistakes.
Guide children instead of comparing or criticizing them.
Instead of instructing children to remain silent all the time, listen to them first and then say something to them.
Parents, keep in mind, your child starts seeing himself the way you see him. Now it’s up to you whether you see him as self-reliant and low on self-confidence or independent and full of confidence.
