My dear reader, today I'd like to introduce you a new critical thinking approach about children or, hear me out, parents misbehavior.
Have you ever watched a scene where a kid threw a tantrum in a public area? And perhaps the parents just left him/her unattended, or, on the contrary, became hostage of this capricious behavior falling victim of an emotional blackmail, because afraid the scene may unnecessarily prolong in front of stranger faces?
Have you ever seen a child whining for something he/she can't have and receiving in response a threat or maybe the parent/s simply accomplishes his/her request because too tired/rushed/distracted to remain firm on his conviction?
I could actually go on for long with the examples; we have all been in this kind of situations at least once, either from one side or another of the fence (the metaphorical fence that divide parents and watchers).
Often the response of the audience materializes in head shakings in sign of disapproval, inquisitor staring or even outspoken criticism towards kids or parents. I am not a mother yet, but even myself, I've received this responses while looking after my nieces and nephews in public spaces.
Well, today I'd like to offer a new prospective which actually might be the game changer.
When each one of us happen to assist a similar kind of situation, why don't we refrain from turning away in disgust or sending malicious glances?
What if we use our body language to communicate that we are emphatetic, showing that we understand because we know it may happen or because it actually happened to us too? A smile, a nice word or even offering help may be able to completely change a situation in the most optimistic way, for a stranger that may return the courtesy, or simply inspire others to be more kind. It actually requires a small effort to be nice and spreading positive attitude that can benefit parents but, most importantly, children.
As they say, a little kindness goes a long way.
By Child Psychologist
Ms. Azureen
Master of Child Psychology (M'sia)
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