Stop the comparison (part 3)

“Comparison is the thief of joy” -Theodore Roosevelt. Continuation of the effect of comparison... *It can make the child laid back and stop trying, after all, mum/dad always says he doesn’t know how to do anything, so what’s the point of trying! This will in turn lead to the parent being frustrated because the initial reason for comparing was to make the child strife to do it right but now seeing how the approach is counterproductive, it becomes overwhelming. *It makes us to loose sight of our children uniqueness, strength and abilities. As our finger prints are different, so also our innate abilities, talents and gifts. *It can make the child to continue comparing himself with others as he grows and this is one of the root causes of envy. *It makes the child anxious and increase his stress levels... ......and so on, feel free to add yours. For what do you compare your child to another? Academics, work, lifestyle, talent?..... In whatever you desire your child to be better, there are healthy ways to go about it......everything is learnt. *be conscious, calm, think before you talk....most of our actions to our children are on impulse....we don’t think it through....we talk to our children in ways we wouldn’t talk to a stranger! Take inventory of your words, whether they are addressing the issue or damaging the child. *focus on the habit you want to change in your child,.... Why does he find the task difficult? Does he lack the skill to do the task? Is it age appropriate? Are you patient enough to notice any improvement, no matter how small and cheer him on? How can you help him to be better? Carefully thinking through all these will help us make informed decision that will make our child better. *use milestone to track your child’s progress, celebrate every little effort make at getting better and encourage them al the way. “Few months ago, your room will be a mess but now you tidy it up without being told, that’s good of you.” “Last term, your teacher told me you weren’t fast with writing but now you have improved greatly...and with the rate you are going, before the end of this term, copying your notes wouldn’t be an issue anymore” *have a conversation with the child regarding whatever the issue and brainstorm on ways to help....allow them air their opinion freely and take decisions based on the best interest of your child. *a large dose of patient is needed. Rome wasn’t built in a day, be consistent, support and cheer them on, take it to God in prayer, it will end in praise. “Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its life thinking it is stupid” -Albert Einstein. Do have a productive day. Pix: Equipping the next generation of leaders with some of life skills.