For the last two years, my baby cousins have been staying with us. Athron is a 5 year old boy while his sister, Aria, is 3 years old. Their mom worked overseas and they, along with their dad, moved in to the family home in Caloocan. We’ve always been living as an extended family. As a child, I lived with my uncles and aunties and they’ve all had a profound effect on who I am today. This time around, it’s me who can impact the younger cousins.
Both of these kids are impressionable. They have a tendency to mimic the behaviors that they observe from us. There was this one time that their dad hit Athron with a belt. In turn, when Aria displeases Athron, I hear the latter threatening the former with the words: “Do you want me to get the belt? I will hit you!” On the other hand, when their grandmother always gave Aria two pieces of candy, Aria then tends to ask for two pieces of anything to make sure her brother also gets some treats.
I guess that what makes kids mimic behaviors is the results that the actions yield. Athron was able to observe that his father’s method of discipline made him follow out of fear. Aria was able to observe that her brother was always happy whenever she shared anything with him. At the same time, the model to be mimicked should also be someone that child respects.
These observations further sets us adults to a higher standard. We should be careful of how we act around children as these may further impact their development in terms of handling relationships and expressing themselves.
Furthermore, I’d like to share my views on mentors and mentoring through the file we were asked to accomplish: CLICK ME!
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