CAN you, for four minutes, leave whatever you are doing? It’s time you took a break anyway.

QUESTION: What do you think has the biggest influence on how well a child succeeds in life? Is it:
a) The environment the child is raised in?
b) The amount of money coming into the household?
c) The positive input from the parents who are raising the child?

The answer will become clear to you as you read.

Every day, as the earth turns and the sun rises, it means that we are growing. But while some of us are growing older, with our creaky joints and greying hair, a vast section of our population, mainly children and young adults, are at a transitional stage in life, because they are not just growing, they are also developing.

INTRINSICALLY LINKED
Child development is intrinsically linked to the type of adults our children become, therefore grown-ups should make it their duty to embrace and learn about the developing child; because the more knowledge we have, the better we can interact with children and young people accordingly, to get the best out of them; to nurture them and advise them about life’s goals and possible pitfalls.

Children start learning from the womb; they are born able to express themselves one way, and one way only — through crying. An attentive mother soon recognises the different cries of her baby — if he is hungry; if he needs changing; if he is in pain, or feeling distressed etc.

As children grow physically, their communication skills grow too: their expressions; their intellect; their emotional and social development; and their personality. In fact, from the age of 0 to three years, children grow rapidly and learn so much more than at any other time in their lives. They need as many positive experiences as possible during those crucial years, and consistency, patience and encouragement are important elements that help to enhance their development.

Also, if an open, understanding relationship is built between parent and child during that period, there is a good chance it will last a lifetime.
Children always need someone they can trust; someone they can bond with and rely on. It doesn’t matter whether they are six days old or 16 years old, responsible, caring adults — wherever they can be found — are never too many in a child’s life.

INDIVIDUALITY, INDEPENDENCE
Through pre-adolescence and adolescence (from about nine to 18 years old), children tend to seek their individuality and independence. Most of them prefer to be with their peers rather than family; this is just a part of the ongoing process of development.

Children would have required a set of analytical skills, like decision-making and coping mechanisms. They sometimes become rebellious and opinionated. They may even say and do things that test the boundaries that adults have set. Knowing or learning how to cope with these or other changes that may occur is an important part of the parental role, as these years can be ‘trying’ times.

Even when children are as tall as their parents, they still need guidance and understanding, consistency and support like they did in their formative years; but with space enough for them to be themselves. A delicate balance needs to exist, one in which the child has a sense of responsibility and understanding of what is expected from him/her, with clear boundaries and a routine that is always upheld; and where the parent or caregiver is able to supervise, rather than direct the child on the right path.

To cope with our developing children, we need to understand and support their development every step of the way. Every new day, as the earth turns and the sun rises, we are given the opportunity to learn how best to protect, guide and help them. Let us endeavour to do a worthwhile job.