Raising a child with NO FEAR INDEPENDENCE is an easier job in some children than in others; an inherent difference in personalities makes this so. It is fascinating just how different children within the same family can be, but both personality types need encouragement along the way! An outgoing, adventurous child - one who climbed out of the womb, over your couch and up the curtains will usually not have the initial fear of breaking away that a shy child might have.
The key to confidence building for any personality type is to build a secure foundation early and secondly, encouraging experiences you can control, just to the point that you know no harm will come, when a child is ready.
What are the bricks and mortar of a strong foundation? It is as simple as building continuity into your daily routine that will give a growing child a mental safe-haven at home in the face of what he sees as raging turmoil at school or on the playground.
These foundation techniques are great to use for any child - but can be just as successful for a child who is really seeking something to hang on to: a foster child, a recently adopted child, a child who is in a shared-custody situation or a military child who is faced with multiple moves.
Foundation Building
Building a strong foundation as early as you can will build confidence and an ability to be flexible at the same time.
- Having a set time and routine for bedtime.Read a story, sing a song, or say your prayers. When the battle is raging outside, give your child something he can count on!Serve meals at approximately the same time each day - and make it a family affair! The meal served is secondary - enjoy the conversation and sharing!Get Dressed! Each evening, make sureyou lay out three complete outfits for your child to choose from for the next day. Be ready to witness the end of morning struggles! They feel they are in control and they are making choices that please you! Make your morning routine - routine! Try and keep the order you get ready in the morning the same. Not only will Abigail learn the routine and gain confidence through routine, but she will also become much more efficient and make your morning much brighter!
Coming Tuesday:Building on the Foundation
