A Happy Child Is a Responsible Child
We have to begin eradicating sayings like “spare the rod and spoil the child.” These sayings and ways of teaching are not only outdated,they are also misguided, especially because we know that corporal punishment does not create happy children, and that happy children are more responsible.
It’s of vital importance to start internalizing the importance of happiness in the education of children. It’s the best way of making them enjoy knowledge and helping them evolve into their full potential.
Don’t confuse concepts in the education of a happy child
When we talk about a happy child, we shouldn’t confuse this with a spoiled child. A happy child is not one to whom we have to give everything.
Obviously, frustration is a part of life, no matter how little we like this fact. And your children will suffer from it, at least during certain moments of their lives. However, happy children will have the necessary tools to overcome any phase or trauma.
In other words, a happy child is not a spoiled one. The little one should know where his limits are, and what he can and can’t do. However, that knowledge need not be dramatic or traumatic.
A child that knows that it is loved, that is happy in his surroundings, that can recognize life’s limitations and accepts them, this is a person who will grow up to be responsible and aware of himself and what’s happening in his surroundings.
Why is a happy child more responsible?
We’re going to list a number of characteristics that describe a happy child and describe how these make him more responsible about the happenings in his life and surroundings:
- A happy child has a better character: Any little one that’s happy in his surroundings develops a good character. This is very healthy, since it makes the little one better internalize the concepts of justice and honesty.
- A happy child’s good character gives him various virtues: A little one who grows up in a happy world learns virtues such as honesty, temperance, love, sacrifice for others, empathy, generosity, humility, and the ability to strive to overcome certain adverse stages in life.
- A happy child is more positive: Happy children have a much more positive outlook on life. They are proactive and tenacious when faced with challenges. They work very hard to overcome adversity, and they are very grateful.
- A happy child is more receptive: Furthermore, happy children have healthier relationships with their parents. They will be much more receptive to love, emotional attachment, and communication with others.
- A happy child learns more: As we said, happy children are more receptive. Therefore, they are more open to lessons and knowledge. In this sense, they understand examples better, pay more attention when spoken to and listen to the different opinions of their parents. They are capable of discerning right from wrong and drawing their own conclusions.
- A happy child distinguishes priorities: Children that live in a happy environment learn to distinguish their priorities. For example, they know that their access to toys, technology and rewards are a privilege, never a right. They understand the value of things and respect it.
- The child has a conscience: Happy children understand messages well and know how to distinguish right from wrong. Therefore, they develop a powerful conscience. And this is thanks to emotional education, which makes them more receptive and self-aware.
- A happy child knows how to develop his life: A happy child learns to give importance to life’s priorities, such as family, friendship, love, altruism and solidarity or values and ethics. This way, he will be less disoriented, will develop judgement early on and will avoid falling into risky behaviors.
Clearly, a happy child will have a more full and whole existence. But remember, never confuse it with spoiling, unlimited freedom or attachment to material things. Because this is a mistake that creates tyrannical and dependent behaviors. Simply let children be themselves within an emotional environment full of love and understanding.
