UNLOCK THE POWER OF YOUR CHILD’S INTUITION
Those interested in personal safety or teaching violence prevention recognize intuition’s crucial role in our safety.
Although physical self-defence might not be attainable to everyone due to certain limitations, intuition is a universal tool that even young children can rely on, mainly if cultivated early.
Research indicates that children possess a remarkable level of intuition, often surpassing that of adults. Exploring the factors that may undermine a child’s intuitive abilities might be interesting, allowing us to gain insights as parents, teachers, role models, and adults to diminish the decline.
#1 – Forced Hugs & Kisses – As a child, you may have experienced, or as a parent, you may have done something that seemed right at the time. You recently had a gathering with your family or friends. As the day winds down and everyone prepares to leave, your family members exchange goodbyes. Uncle Frank approaches one of the children to give them a loving hug or kiss. However, the child hesitates and retreats, even hiding behind their mom or dad, grasping onto their leg. The parent steps in, urging or commanding them to show politeness by hugging their uncle.
While teaching children kindness is commendable and often essential, allowing them to develop their instincts about people is equally important. Although I am not implying that Uncle Frank has any bad intent (although it is worth noting that most cases of abuse occur within the family or by someone known to the child), nurturing your child’s ability to recognize and trust their intuition is crucial.
While this situation I’m describing is just one example, it is essential to highlight that repeated similar experiences can gradually erode a child’s trust in their instincts and lead them to conform to the opinions of adults, which will carry on into their youth and adulthood.
Regrettably, there are instances where parents promote this agenda not to instill kindness but somewhat out of fear of being perceived as inadequate parents. The discomfort and awkwardness created by their child not reciprocating the hug become more significant in preserving their image, outweighing the valuable life lesson the child could have learned.
As parents, we guide, teach, and support our children as they develop a sense of safety, security, and self-confidence. However, never ignoring or dismissing their intuition and feelings cannot be overstated. In the case of Uncle Frank, although the child may decide on a different response in the future, it should be based on their trust and permission to express affection on their terms.
2) Adults Are Always Right – There is some overlap with the first example, but it is common for parents and adults to impart the lesson, “As a child, it is important to listen to and show respect towards all adults.”
You hear things like, “Be quiet, listen, and do what you are told; you are the child.” The biggest issue with this statement is that you are making a blanket statement about adults when, in reality, guess who is most likely to cause a child harm? An adult!
By instructing children to obey every adult, we inadvertently undermine and diminish their ability to trust their instincts, which are crucial for their safety.
Instead, it is better to encourage children to communicate their concerns or feelings of uneasiness with their parents. We can create a more productive dialogue by approaching these conversations to listen and understand your child. Never assume you know better just because you are an adult.
It is crucial to ensure that a child never feels pressured to engage in activities that make them nervous or uncomfortable. If they are not encouraged to express their concerns or are uncomfortable doing so, they may develop a habit of suppressing their emotions and thoughts. This can create an upbringing where they keep their feelings hidden, fearing they will not be taken seriously or not listened to.
Parents need to consider the way they approach the topic of talking to strangers with their children. While it is understandable to prioritize the safety of our kids, completely forbidding them from interacting with unfamiliar individuals may diminish their ability to socialize and, more importantly, tap into and understand their intuition. Of course, I’m not proposing that you leave your child alone in a public place and encourage them to chat with every stranger they come across. However, allowing them to engage in conversations with adults you are in discussions with and later discussing their feelings about the interaction can be monumental in nurturing their communication and intuitive skills.
I have much more to add to this topic, but I wanted to share two of the most critical pieces of advice I can offer parents.
Keep SAFE!
Chris Roberts, FOUNDER
www.safeinternational.biz