Parents

I am mixing with parents that encourage their children to think independently at the young age of three.

I see these children thinking completely for themselves.

If they step out of line, they are given space and time to figure out the consequences of their behaviour.

They are not punished but given time to reflect and make choices in an unemotional reasoned atmosphere.

Lots of time is given to talking things through.

One the other day, with a grin on their face seemed to decided to misbehave,  just to see what would happen.

They got told off, given reasons for the action being requested and then were left quietly to reflect on what they had done with nothing further being said.

After a few minutes they carried on  . . .

behaving as requested.

They had been convinced that this was the best thing to do with no emotional pressure to do so.

Here was a human being who was growing up as a self confident person who would make balanced judgements in the future on what was best for them.

With the uncertainties of todays world we need people who can think for themselves who will be able to decide clearly and without pressure what is best for them.

They will become people that can step out of the shadows of their parents and make decisions for themselves.

It's good to realise that there some exceptionally good parents around.