Children are great observers but lousy interpreters.
Earlier generations believed that kids were too young to appreciate what was going on and that they’d forget. They were wrong.
Kids observed, but didn’t understand and it impacted them emotionally because their young brains picked up on the basic, universal emotions of sadness, surprise, fear, disgust and anger. They saw and felt it, didn’t know what to make of it and held onto those feelings. They could’ve benefited from reassurance and appropriate explanations.
The current generation that is “in charge” is more enlightened because we have the benefit of neuroscience and knowledge of child development that tell us to take seriously the emotions that our children observe.
We’re careful about what they see on television and in the movies. We shelter them from our negative emotions. We stop, explain and reassure. It’s a good thing. Don’t discount the legacy that emotions can leave on your child’s heart.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and submit a question.
Earlier generations believed that kids were too young to appreciate what was going on and that they’d forget. They were wrong.
Kids observed, but didn’t understand and it impacted them emotionally because their young brains picked up on the basic, universal emotions of sadness, surprise, fear, disgust and anger. They saw and felt it, didn’t know what to make of it and held onto those feelings. They could’ve benefited from reassurance and appropriate explanations.
The current generation that is “in charge” is more enlightened because we have the benefit of neuroscience and knowledge of child development that tell us to take seriously the emotions that our children observe.
We’re careful about what they see on television and in the movies. We shelter them from our negative emotions. We stop, explain and reassure. It’s a good thing. Don’t discount the legacy that emotions can leave on your child’s heart.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and submit a question.
