Unlocking the Power Within: A Guide to Cultivating Attributes in Children

As adults, we often find ourselves extolling virtues to children - “Have patience, show empathy and focus on your studies. Yet, the question echoing in a child's mind remains,

"My dad asks me to focus more on my studies. How can I increase my focus on my work?

Grandma says I should have more patience with my younger brother. How am I supposed to have patience?

My mom says to be kind. But how can I generate this emotion in me? How can I become more kind?

How do I acquire these attributes?

Where do they come from?"

It's a question that goes beyond the "what" and delves into the realm of "how." In a world full of instructions, the missing link lies in the practical guidance on how to embody these qualities.

In the realm of children's development, preaching about virtues falls short, because kids, in their innocence, don't grasp philosophy through words; instead, they absorb it through actions. Emulation is their language. Thus, being engaged in activities tailored to their growth and evolution becomes paramount.

Environment, the Key

When we observe the collective behaviour of people in a particular region, a pertinent question arises—how did they all adopt similar behavioural patterns? The answer, intriguingly, lies in their shared environment. It's a reminder that our surroundings play a pivotal role in shaping who we become. Attributes such as patience and empathy aren't elusive traits reserved for a chosen few; they are inherent within everyone. Children, akin to sponges, absorb influences from their environment.

Once an environment worthy of emulation is created, the next step is nurturing and strengthening the learned desirable traits through repetition of similar experiences so that they become an integral part of one's identity. Much like sculpting a muscle through consistent exercise, these attributes require regular nourishment.

Through pedagogies like Montessori and Waldorf, it is established that this approach to teaching children is indispensable. The activities advocated by them are designed with a deep understanding of a child's evolution and nourish young minds holistically—mind, body, and spirit.  These methods create an inner moral compass in the child to help them navigate through life but also guide children through the intricate process of developing these very virtues.

Repetition of these pleasant, artistic, yet entertaining, virtue-generating activities and experiences becomes the cornerstone of their behavioural blueprint.

So, the next time we endeavour to instil virtues in our children, let's remember—it's not about telling them what to do, but showing them how to do it. It's about creating an environment that nurtures attributes, allowing them to blossom organically. It's a journey of artistic and collaborative engagement and repetition—a journey toward unlocking the tremendous power within every child.