Tips to Avoid Selfishness in Children
It’s true. And, there’s something you can do about it.
Huffington Post Interview; Tips to Avoid Selfishness in Children:
I was recently interviewed by Huffington Post about a very compelling subject: How to keep your children from becoming selfish or Tips to Avoid Selfishness in Children. It may sometimes be hard to acknowledge but selfishness can be a learned trait in our children. Children are born with a tendency toward sharing and it isn’t until they are subjected to a multitude of choices in their infancy that they begin to develop possessive behaviors.
Tips to Avoid Selfishness in Children
I highly recommend reading this article if you have an infant or a toddler. There is no better time than right at the beginning to instill a sharing attitude in your child.
Read the Huffington Post Article
As parents, we all want our children to grow up to be kind, empathetic, and caring individuals. However, it is not uncommon for children to exhibit selfish behavior, especially in their early years. While some level of self-centeredness is normal in children, it is important to recognize and address it before it becomes a long-term personality trait.
At Serin Center, we understand that raising a child to be empathetic and selfless can be challenging, which is why we have compiled some effective tips to help you encourage your child to think beyond their own needs and become more empathetic towards others.
- Model Empathy:
- Children learn from what they see and experience around them. As parents, it is essential to model empathy towards others, including your child, family members, friends, and strangers. You can do this by being attentive to their emotions, actively listening to what they have to say, and showing genuine concern for their well-being. By doing so, you are teaching your child the importance of empathy and kindness.
- Encourage Playdates and Socialization:
- Socializing with other children helps foster social-emotional development and teaches children how to interact with others. Encourage playdates and social activities that promote teamwork, sharing, and collaboration. Children who play together learn to recognize each other’s feelings and needs, and this helps them develop empathy.
- Teach Emotional Intelligence:
- Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage one’s own emotions and those of others. By teaching your child to understand their emotions, you are also teaching them how to empathize with others. Help your child understand and express their feelings, and encourage them to acknowledge other people’s feelings.
- Practice Gratitude:
- Practicing gratitude helps children focus on the positive aspects of life and appreciate what they have. Encourage your child to express gratitude daily, whether it is for their toys, friends, family, or even something as simple as a sunny day. This helps develop a positive outlook on life and increases empathy towards others.
- Volunteer:
- Volunteering is an excellent way to teach children the value of giving back and helping others. Look for volunteer opportunities that your child can participate in, such as a local food bank, animal shelter, or community service project. This helps children understand the importance of empathy and compassion towards others.
- Avoid Overindulging:
- Overindulging your child with material possessions can lead to a sense of entitlement, which can hinder their ability to empathize with others. Instead, teach your child to value experiences over things and encourage them to share their possessions with others.
- Set Limits and Consequences:
- It is important to set limits and consequences when your child exhibits selfish behavior. Consequences should be appropriate and consistent, such as time-outs or taking away privileges. Be clear about what behavior is acceptable and what is not, and stick to your rules.
Selfishness is a common trait in children, but with patience, effort, and guidance, it is possible to teach your child empathy and selflessness. By modeling empathy, encouraging socialization, teaching emotional intelligence, practicing gratitude, volunteering, avoiding overindulgence, and setting limits and consequences, you can help your child develop into a kind, empathetic, and caring individual. Remember, it takes time, so be patient and consistent, and always provide love and support along the way.
Serin Center
If you are located in the Metro Phoenix Arizona area, Serin Center has two offices located in Peoria, AZ, and Scottsdale, AZ that can provide testing for Dyscalculia and provide Independent Educational Evaluations. Contact us today to discuss how we can help.
Our educational evaluations can provide diagnoses and generate specific goals and treatments to help your child succeed. Completed in Peoria & Scottsdale AZ