Although your kids are still young and naive to the world, they are already learning and their emotional reactions and feelings are already intact. Even though they are still yet to mature, they have already some thoughts and feelings that need to be heard that’s why parents need to give your child freedom of expression. Children who are given some sort of freedom to express themselves in the right manner are more likely to become better adults in the future. That’s why parents should give children the right amount of freedom of expression.
However, sometimes the freedom to express is being abused by many in the world today. Because they are entitled to their own opinion and they have the freedom to express their thoughts and emotions regardless of how it is being delivered. But that should not be the case. Parents should teach their kids at an early age that despite being given the freedom to express themselves, they also have the responsibility with regards to their words and actions.
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They should express it in the right manner. By teaching the kids to do that, parents are training them to become responsible adults and citizens in the future.
In order for children to have their freedom of expression, parents need to know the specific ways children can exercise this freedom given to them. They should also know the scope and limitations of this right. Here are some freedom of speech and expression that children can use:
Freedom at school
When your kids are already in school, they have some freedom to express their opinions at school. They can express their thoughts and requests by writing a letter to their teacher or school council about matters concerning them. They may have some questions or requests regarding their grades or their classes, they can express it. They can also express their opinions in their classes and their voices should be heard. However, it is very important that they do it in a respectful manner, not meaning to disrespect their teachers or classmates.
Freedom of dress
The freedom of expression is not limited to speech or words, it can also mean the image or appearance. Your kids can have a right or freedom to express themselves in the clothes they wear. Maybe some parents want their kids to look a certain way. Some kids may not prefer wearing that kind of clothes. So parents can allow their kids to express their individuality by allowing them to wear appropriate clothes that they want to wear.
Some kids may want to wear certain jewelry or a certain hairstyle. As long as it is appropriate for their age and gender, parents can allow them to express themselves. Parents can guide them on what is best for them but they can also allow some space for them to express themselves.
Freedom to express at home
Because they are still young, their minds and understanding are still very limited. However, kids are getting smarter and smarter. They are actually learning things very fast. When they feel something, parents should allow them to express their thoughts and opinions at home. Although not all things are favorable to them, parents should make sure that kids know that their feelings are valued in the family.
Surprisingly, there are many cases of depression in young ones and some are not even detected by the family. That’s why parents should give their children freedom of expression so that they can monitor their kids. When parents have time to allow their kids to express how they feel or what they understand, it opens the communication in the family.
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Children will learn that their voices are heard at home and they are valued. Though their thoughts and opinions are not always right, giving your child the freedom of expression allows the parents to know their thoughts and correct them tactfully when needed. Instead of assuming that your kids understand, or your kids are doing alright, giving your child the freedom of expression allows you to check on them.
The truth is, everyone needs the right amount of freedom of expression. Even kids need that freedom. When they are old enough and responsible enough, then they are given more freedom than when they were kids. But now that they are still young, an appropriate amount of freedom of expression is important to build their self-esteem. But parents need to be careful about it as well. They need to set some limitations and impose good manners when exercising this freedom. Kids still need to learn many things, and even though they may argue that they think they are right, parents need to discipline them as well.
Raising kids nowadays is no easy task. Children are becoming more modern and liberated about the world. It is in the hands of loving parents to educate their kids about right and wrong. Giving your child freedom of expression should be a useful tool to them and to others’ benefits, not a selfish tool and a harmful one to others. With power comes responsibility. So now, that parents have given them a certain level of freedom to express, children also have the responsibility to carry on as well with it. Parents should not make it sound very serious that kids will not even try to use their freedom anymore because they were scared of their parents’ warnings. Kids may make mistakes along the way, but the important thing is that parents are there to correct and help them.
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When kids realize that it’s alright to express themselves and it’s normal to make mistakes, they are more likely to learn more and have confidence. They are more likely to accept failures and move forward. They can also acknowledge that other people and other kids also have the right and freedom to express themselves. They will learn to respect others and receive respect from others as well.
Read also:
- How to Explain Growth Mindset to Kids?
- Give your child a freedom of expression
- How can Parents Encourage Good Behavior in Kids?
