Little Ears Hear All
It seems that there are many people today who think that children are not listening to what is being said by the adults in their lives. I make this assumption based on the number of adult conversations I hear when children are around. They speak openly in stores, restaurants and when they are on the phone. Not only are children listening, but it has an effect on their minds and emotions.
Even very young children take in all that is going on around them. Whether they are talking yet or not they can hear. You may think if they are involved in play, or watching cartoons, that they are not listening. I'm here to tell you that they hear every word, and every emotion that you evoke when you speak. Unfortunately their young minds are not equipped to fully understand, and because of this they may imagine the worst. If your voices are raised they may feel fear, or that something they did caused the argument. A heavy burden for a young child. One they are not emotionally able to deal with which can cause unwanted behavior on their part; and a vicious cycle ensues that can be hard to break.
Children need to be children - period. We cannot put them in the middle of adult conversations that they have no business listening to. It's unfair to include them, and then expect them to stay out of it because they are children. If exposed to it long enough they feel they have to (and should) take on an adult role. Something no child should have to do. And if they do speak out then they can be chastised for that - another mixed message.
As adults, we have the responsibility to ensure the children in our lives can be free of the stresses of adult life. No child should be put in the middle of adult discussions or arguments. And if you think because they are in another room they are not listening, then you are only fooling yourself. These little ears hear all.
So, please take the time to keep adult topics to yourself. Let children remain children for as long as possible. Their time to be adults will come soon enough.
Even very young children take in all that is going on around them. Whether they are talking yet or not they can hear. You may think if they are involved in play, or watching cartoons, that they are not listening. I'm here to tell you that they hear every word, and every emotion that you evoke when you speak. Unfortunately their young minds are not equipped to fully understand, and because of this they may imagine the worst. If your voices are raised they may feel fear, or that something they did caused the argument. A heavy burden for a young child. One they are not emotionally able to deal with which can cause unwanted behavior on their part; and a vicious cycle ensues that can be hard to break.
Children need to be children - period. We cannot put them in the middle of adult conversations that they have no business listening to. It's unfair to include them, and then expect them to stay out of it because they are children. If exposed to it long enough they feel they have to (and should) take on an adult role. Something no child should have to do. And if they do speak out then they can be chastised for that - another mixed message.
As adults, we have the responsibility to ensure the children in our lives can be free of the stresses of adult life. No child should be put in the middle of adult discussions or arguments. And if you think because they are in another room they are not listening, then you are only fooling yourself. These little ears hear all.
So, please take the time to keep adult topics to yourself. Let children remain children for as long as possible. Their time to be adults will come soon enough.
Comments
Post a Comment