Mosely stated that along with an understanding of the critical tasks of each stage, it is important that parents also understand the child's point of view during these stages. As an infant, the child sees herself as the entire universe. During early childhood, the child views herself as the center of the universe. That is, she recognizes herself as separate from others but still thinks as if she were the center. During later childhood, she thinks that her universe overlaps the universe of others; during this stage, the child calls on others when she feels she needs them. Finally, as a teenager, the child sees herself not only at the center of the universe, but thinks to herself that she is all that counts in the universe.
When Should Routines Begin?
Mr. Mosley suggested that routines help build a sense of responsibility in children and that it is best to begin routines for children when they are young. For example, as children begin to follow their parents around the house, parents can ask them to help carry something, water a plant, or empty a wastebasket. Children gain a sense of autonomy when they can act on their own initiative to do helpful tasks. As young children become more competent, they become increasingly capable of completing the responsibility or chore on their own.
As children grow, it is the responsibility of the parents to increase the level of difficulty of children's routinely assigned chores. This process helps the child to feel increasingly competent. Routines can help foster good behavior, adequate performance, and a sense of identity.
The Key Is Consistency
The key is for the parents to be consistent in their expectations, which then sets the stage for adolescence. As the young child grows into adolescence, the parents can increase the level of responsibility expected. Parents are likely to feel more certain that the child is capable, and the focus of their interactions changes from responsibility to accountability. As parents create a higher level of expectation in an established routine, they are able to remind their child of how far he has come. This process helps to externally validate the growing child's sense of competence.
For more information
National Child Care Information Center Internet: http://nccic.org/
Child Care Resource Center Internet: http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/~CCRSCare/
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