What would you do in such cases?
By Zhu Huifen
@zhuhuifen46 (3483)
China
December 29, 2008 8:39am CST
Very often we see when a baby falls down the floor, or knock against the corner, the parent might tap and shout, "Damn it. The table is to blame." or "Did you hurt?" ... Personally, I think it makes more sense to tell him to be more careful about his step.
From childhood, kids need to be taught how to face the fact and accept the consequences. It might look far fetched to teach a baby that way. But it should be where responsibility starts. Instead of cursing what is there, we had better take the initiative either to prevent or to create.
2 responses
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
29 Dec 08
If you're talking about a very young child, he is too young to understand cause and affect...that if I do this than that thing is going to happen. Also, babies just learning to walk are going to fall so telling them to be careful when they are trying to master a new skill does no good at all. What parents are doing by blaming it on the "mean old table" or asking if "you are hurt?" is offering compassion and caring, which are things that young children understand and respond to. Children learn different things at different times in their lives. The first thing they learn is love, followed by security and trust..which gives them the fearlessness to try new skills like getting up and walking. They don't understand the concept of responsibility until around two years old when parents should start teaching them to put away their toys...and on from there. 
1 person likes this
@zhuhuifen46 (3483)
• China
29 Dec 08
I appreciate very much your comment, but for a single child in chinese families, surrounded by love from parents and grandparents, they might need more guidance to become strong.
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
29 Dec 08
Young children don't have the cognitive abilities to understand cause and effect. They do understand mommy is there to give them a hug and a kiss when they get hurt. That way they start to learn that they are loved and someone cares about them. As they get older they start to learn cause and effect.
