I wonder why “we” are always telling children what to do!

Parents, teachers, even older siblings are telling younger children what to do and how to do it all day long. Also add in telling them what NOT to do all day long. Yikes, overkill! Additionally, we are always telling each other what to do and/or not do! 

Just because we work hard to phrase in the positive does not hide the message, it just sugar coats it. We are still telling a child what to do without including them.

Children need to be able to express themselves from birth. We must allow them to be in control. We need to relinquish control and observe the wonder of childhood. We need to be still and listen!  We need to stop talking unless we speak like we are talking to an intelligent person not an idiot. 

How will you interact with someone today? Will you listen or instruct?