How to View the World from Your Child's Perspective

One of the joys of becoming a parent is the opportunity to see the world through new eyes ̵1; the eyes of your child. It seems to become second nature when your little one is small as you watch his excitement and curiosity when encountering new things. As he gets older, it becomes harder to see through his eyes, partly because your responsibilities and time commitments increase and partly because he learns to keep some things to himself while he learns about the world around him. Learning to see the world through his eyes again will give you a new understanding of your child.

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe you child for a few days and take note of his actions and interactions with others. Ask about her day at school and listen with open ears to what she chooses to share with you. What she doesn̵7;t share, like the interactions on the playground or the new math lesson that is giving her fits, is just as important as what she does share. Be aware of gaps between the events of your child's life and those she chooses to share with you. This may provide important clues to understanding your child.

    • 2

      Make a list of the expectations your child must meet every day -- at home, at school, and wherever he spends time after school. Include family expectations for his appearance, behavior and completing household chores. Look for subtle pressures your child may experience from the people and activities in his life. Understanding the expectations placed on your child allows you to see the world as he sees it.

    • 3

      Talk to your child about her likes and dislikes and why she feels that way. This includes everything from music to the type of people she likes to spend time with. The more you know about your child's likes or dislikes, the easier it will be to see the world through her eyes. For example, you may discover that a seemingly unsavory friend you dislike because of her attitude may meet your child's need to be around creative people who excite the imagination.

    • 4

      Consider your child̵7;s unique experiences that may color how he sees the world. The difference between a child̵7;s perspective and an adult's perspective often lies in life experience. Sometimes your child cannot see beyond his own perspective due to a lack of experience. While it may be easy for you to see the probable outcome of a decision because of your life experience, keep in mind that your child may not have that advantage.

    • 5

      Put yourself in your child's shoes for a day and let yourself feel the pressures and delights of the world around you. Imagine how your child would react to a sudden burst of rain on the walk to school or failing that test after studying hard the night before. Learning to see the world from his eyes gives you new understanding and just may open the doors of communication.

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