The 3 Crucial Turning Points in a Child’s Life: Proper Parental Guidance Leads to Success

Age 3: Nurturing interests and intellectual development is the most important

At the age of 3, children are often curious about things around them and want to explore. That’s why children observe and ask questions. When faced with their questions, parents should patiently explain so that children understand. If there’s something parents don’t understand, say “let’s find out together” or “mom/dad will find the answer in a book.” When children are satisfied, they won’t lose their curiosity and enthusiasm for asking questions.

In addition, age 3 is a peak period for children’s intellectual development. Most children want to imitate and compete, so parents can take advantage of that to help them learn these things.

For example, if a child sometimes eats messily, parents can say, “Let’s have a contest to see who can eat neatly and clean.” Or if a child wants to be carried, say, “Let’s have a contest to see who can walk faster.” Competition stimulates a child’s “fighting spirit.”

In educating children, don’t just focus on teaching theoretical knowledge, but use clever ways to make learning as natural as possible. For example, after brushing their teeth, parents can ask the child to look at their teeth and praise them for having clean white teeth. How much they learn is not that important for a 3-year-old child. What’s more important is to ignite their passion for learning.

Age 6: Praising and encouraging is the most important

Most children are obedient, adorable, and easy-going when they turn 6. However, there are times when children can be stubborn, difficult to understand, and have their own secrets. At this age, children have a strong sense of self and are ready to resist to claim their own rights. Therefore, parents need to remain calm and provide support and guidance to their children.

When children turn 6, they become fragile and sensitive. Children need parents to understand and show more subtle care. If a child doesn’t do well, parents should encourage them, and when they make progress, give them praise.

Parents should talk to their children about school, friends, and the things they dream of and desire in the future. Besides, parents can create shared activities and weekends for the family to spend happy time together, such as watching movies, reading books, playing games, cooking, participating in outdoor activities, etc. Parents can ask children for help with minor tasks like setting the table, clearing the table, etc. to nurture the habit of responsibility and family consciousness.

Age 12: Independent thinking is the most important

At the age of 12, children begin to undergo psychological changes, relying less on their parents, becoming somewhat hard to understand, and having their own little secrets. Many parents, not understanding what their children are thinking, often do things like peeking at their diaries or monitoring them. Doing so will make children completely closed off and not trust their parents anymore.

Parents should learn to respect their children and give them independence. Don’t always give orders like “You have to do it this way/that way.” Instead, change your tone to “What do you want to do?”.

For example, if the child is struggling in a certain subject, parents can encourage them to try harder in a specific way, such as saying, “I used to struggle in this subject too, but thanks to the guidance of the teacher and learning from friends, I’ve made progress. Gradually, I realized that this subject isn’t difficult. I believe you can improve your grades if you’re determined. Do you believe that?”

When parents present choices, children have to think of solutions, stimulating their self-esteem. When children make an effort to make a choice, parents shouldn’t forget to encourage them. This way, children will develop the habit of independent thinking.