Self-determination is a skill that is beneficial for kids of all abilities to learn, to the extent they are able. It is with self-determination that decisions now and in the future as adults are made.

Self-determination and self-esteem go hand in hand in the growth of children's personalities. How much children help themselves determines how far they will go as adults, really, because we can only teach so much; children need to use determination and self-will to push to their own limits.

For example, if you teach a child a basic skill such as counting to 10, it is the child's own determination and self-will that asks the question: well, what comes after 10, or 20, or 100?

And, determination to advance in math propels the child to learn about quantities and sets and everyday applications of basic math they will use all through life, such as in telling time, reading maps, using money, paying bills to name a few.

Parents and teachers can nurture self-determination in children to get ahead by pointing out that the reward is deeper knowledge about a topic, or more skills to use something wanted such as playing a fun game.

Sports is a way to teach about self-determination, beginning with choosing what sport to participate in. And then working hard by determining to be the best they can, so the children earn recognition and feel the just reward of being pleased with their efforts.

The same feelings of achievement can come through diligence in the arts. By taking time to produce to the finest level they can, children reap feelings of being proud of their accomplishments.

How we nurture our children now in helping them develop self-determination will show up in their adulthood as productive citizens who are happy with their achievements. This makes current efforts worthwhile!

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Recommended:
Yoga for all Kids - With illustrations and descriptions, how to teach 4 styles of meditation and 15 gentle moving yoga poses that can be used as a basic motor skills lesson plan, plus 12 how to live chapters and a dictionary of 40 definitions of happiness in 83 pages. For kids of all ages and abilities - for teens and adults, too! Available as an Ebook or Print Book


Article by Susan Kramer