Understanding children’s minds

It goes without saying that one of the most important things that you, as a parent, should work on is understanding your child’s psychology. Of course, you need not get a “degree” in parenting. Simply, you have to find out about the simple things that tell you what your children like or dislike, and what motivates them or makes them upset.

To understand children’s minds, you need to spend quality time with them. It is important to know that making daily conversation with your kids lets you know what is happening in their life at school and at home, what their favourite TV show is and what gets them excited and what does not.

Quality time does not always mean talking or doing something together. Sometimes you can only sit together and silently observe them in order to gather some insights about their personality.

Also, you need to pay attention to your child’s environment. New psychological studies prove that children’s behaviour and attitude are shaped largely by the environment that they are brought up in. Studies also prove that the environment can affect children’s brain development, which in turn affects the development of their language and cognitive skills.

Moreover, you need to listen to your children’s stories. It is crystal clear that listening is important when you have a conversation with your child. Initiate a conversation to get your child talking and then listen to what they are trying to say. Kids may not be able to express themselves clearly, which is why you should pay attention to the words that they use and their non-verbal cues as well.

Finally, understanding your kids’ minds allows you to maintain a perfect connection with them, in which they can understand and accept your directions.

Isa Aljundi

Amman