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Behaviour Stereotyping

 

Bringing up children is a huge responsibility: every action we take influences the development of our children, often in a major way.  Perhaps the secret to doing the job well is to keep our eye firmly on the goals.  I've listed the goals that I think everyone would agree are valid, and then noted some of the childrearing techniques that should lead to those goals.  If you agree with the goal, try the technique!

Goal 1: We want to help our children be happy about who they are, both as children and as adults  

Break with tradition: don't stereotype your children

Never reward bad behaviour with attention

 

Goal 2: We don't want our children to make dangerous mistakes when they start thinking about forming their own relationships  

Answer questions about sex as openly and naturally as you would any other question

Never state or imply any expectations about your child's possible future relationships

 

Goal 3: We want our children to be able to decide against dangerous addictions when they start adult life

Make certain they never even try drugs or cigarettes

Allow only very occasional alcohol consumption, with family meals

Spend time with your children so you know who is influencing them

Always know where your children are and who they are with until they are 16

Set a good example in your use of all addictive or dangerous substances

 

Goal 4: We want our children to be physically and mentally healthy when they start the road of adult life

Protect them from videos, films or computer games rated over their age at all times

Ensure your child enjoys healthy food and plenty of exercise from a very young age

Never smoke around your children

Show your children how much you care about them every single day

 

Goal 5: We want our children to be as intelligent as they can be when they reach adult life

Try to make every moment an opportunity for the child to learn something new

Read to your children daily from age 0-16, and encourage them to read with you as soon as they can

Give them space, peace, time and encouragement for homework whenever they need it

Play classical music to babies and young children whenever you can