In their own words...
In their own words...
Consider these insights, straight from the lips of a child..
1. Don't be afraid to be firm with me. I prefer it; it makes me feel more secure.
2. Don't let me form bad habits. I have to rely on you to detect them in the early stages.
3. Don't make me feel smaller than I am. It only makes me behave stupidly "Big."
4. Don't correct me in front of others if you can help it. I'll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private.
5. Don't make me feel that my mistakes are sins. It upsets my sense of values.
6. Don't always protect me from consequences. I need to learn the painful way sometimes.
7. Don't be upset when I say, "I hate you." It isn't you I hate, but your being a symbol of authority.
8. Don't take too much notice of my small complaints. At times they bring the attention I need.
9. Don't nag. If you do, I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf.
10. Don't make rash promises. Remember that I feel let down when promises are broken.
11. Don't forget that I cannot explain myself as well as I would like. That's why I'm not always considerate.
12. Don't tax my honesty too much. I am easily frightened into telling lies.
13. Don't be inconsistent. That completely confuses me and makes me lose faith in you.
14. Don't put me off when I ask questions. If you do, you will find that I stop asking and seek my information elsewhere.
15. Don't ever suggest that you are perfect or infallible. It gives me too great a shock when I discover that you are neither.
16. Don't tell me my fears are silly. They are terribly real and you can do much to reassure me if you try to understand.
17. Don't ever think it is beneath your dignity to apologize to me. An honest apology makes me feel surprisingly warm toward you.