Parenting Tip: Sensitivity
Posted on 30. Nov, 2010 by info in Announcements
Sensitivity is an important quality to understand. Children who exhibit annoying behavior often lack the sensitivity that seems to come naturally to others. Sensitivity helps kids ask themselves the question, “How is my behavior affecting other people?” Or, “How is the other person feeling and what can I do to help?”
Some children are overly sensitive. They are very tuned in to the cues around them and sometimes exaggerate their meaning. These children have a tremendous gift but may need to tone down the way they interpret cues. Dustin may cry whenever Mom looks at him a certain way. Krista may interpret her friends’ giggling as people laughing at her. These kids are misusing the good character quality of sensitivity and need help understanding how to use it appropriately.
Unfortunately, some children are at the other end of the continuum. These kids can’t hear a whispered cue; they need a loud voice. Parents feel embarrassed because their kids require correction at times when the offense seems glaringly obvious. A parent might say, “She should know better by now,” or “I shouldn’t have to say it so many times.” Yes, that’s true, but for one reason or another some kids just don’t get it.
The good news is that sensitivity can be learned and that you will likely have many opportunities to teach it. Whether your child needs to learn responsibility, anger management, sensitivity, or self-control, develop a plan. If you as a parent have a plan, then you’ll be much more effective at training your children in the every day activities of life.
For more on how to develop a Character Development Plan for your child, take a look at chapter 8 in the Home Improvement book by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
This tip was used with permission from the National Center for Biblical Parenting. Visit them at http:www.biblicalparenting.org