Dec 10 2012: Very young children and toddlers, as well as older children, have no network or support group. They are expected to deal with "difficult" parents, relatives, siblings, other children, classmates or teachers by themselves, unless they are lucky enough to have an attentive parent or family member close by who has time to spend listening. One can sit in any day care center and guess whether a particular child is suffering from unexpressed frustration, anger or even rage. Any adult can find a group to go to where they can share their feelings or frustrations on just about anything in their lives from an alcoholic spouse to murder of a child, and be listened to with focused attention. Parents Anonymous provides opportunities for parents to get emotional support while they deal with their "difficult" children.
Why does our society provide the myriad of support groups for adults and do not do so for our children? Do children not have the same pain and anguish adults have? Why do we expect children to live day after day with the stresses of social adjustment taking place in their life place especially in school, without opportunity to express their frustrations, pain and anguish to someone who they feel heard by?
Human anger doesn't just dissipate it must be expressed in some way. The most productive way for any human, including children, is to be able to tell a trusted person about upsetting incidences that happen in his or her life with whomever, soon after they happen. The most crucial part of verbal expression is to be heard. They must also be able to emotionally trust others. For children of all ages, being paid attention to and listened to without giving advice is key to their healthy emotional growth. Anger and rage cannot flourish when a baby, toddler or older child feels paid attention to and heard. Where in society does a little toddler go when upsetting incidences happen to her in her family or at the day care. Where does she feel paid attention to and heard?
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A comment on Conversation: What are the primary responsibilities of parents and school? What are that of student?
Why does our society provide the myriad of support groups for adults and do not do so for our children? Do children not have the same pain and anguish adults have? Why do we expect children to live day after day with the stresses of social adjustment taking place in their life place especially in school, without opportunity to express their frustrations, pain and anguish to someone who they feel heard by?
Human anger doesn't just dissipate it must be expressed in some way. The most productive way for any human, including children, is to be able to tell a trusted person about upsetting incidences that happen in his or her life with whomever, soon after they happen. The most crucial part of verbal expression is to be heard. They must also be able to emotionally trust others. For children of all ages, being paid attention to and listened to without giving advice is key to their healthy emotional growth. Anger and rage cannot flourish when a baby, toddler or older child feels paid attention to and heard. Where in society does a little toddler go when upsetting incidences happen to her in her family or at the day care. Where does she feel paid attention to and heard?