On 16th May, the world marks the International Day of the Boy child. Most often theie is the feeling that the boy-child is ‘left out’
However, Edified Services is keen on the well-being of all children. Nurturing all growing children into greatness helps them learn the skills that will equip them for their later lives.
As simple as looking for opportunities to celebrate a boy lends in raising the greatness within them.
All human beings desire to feel significant. Picking out what they have excelled in and pointing it out to them goes a long way to make them feel appreciated
Make them feel valued. Include them in activities where their creativity is acknowledged and applaud it. Affirm them when they need assurance and model resilience by speaking hope when they feel let-down.
Learn to fill their developmental needs by being keen on what happens as they grow. For instance, at ages 9- 12 is personality focus stage where they are transitioning to adolescence, they are experimenting and testing as they explore who they would want to be. This is a great time to be involved in who they are pulled to and offer supervisory guidance lest they copy wrong or morally in appropriate values as per your guidance.
The wanderer stage occurs at ages 13-17 and it is when you will observe a lot of boundary testing and lots of psychological chaos. Often, there is intensified personality development as well as identity formation. Some may display arrogance or become argumentative. They listen more to peers and it is a time when conflicts with parents is greatly witnessed.
Nevertheless, understanding this will open insights for supporting. For a parent;
* Be firm on boundaries, which should have been set earlier and communicated to them
* Do not take it personal when they may go against set rules- be consistent and do not blame yourself for their misses. Learn to identify the root cause and deal with it
* Allow other voices; uncles, mentors, life coaches, teachers to support when you realize resistance
* Remain in charge – you are the parent.
* Be observant to realize changes that may hinder realization of desired goals.
Parenting is a journey that must be travelled and can never be delegated.
Keep investing in them and the fruits will abound.
Make a boy happy, not just one day, but all days!
#happyinternationaldaysofheboychild