10 Ways We Misunderstand Children

**Witwicky** · 08-05-2012 11:59

I enjoyed this article from The Natural Child Project and thought that a lot of it rings true in our society. Here it is for anyone interested:

Ten ways we misunderstand children

**onionskin** · 08-05-2012 12:30

I am now crying after reading that, thanks WW. You seriously don't know how much I needed to read that, I have bookmarked it for dh to read too.

I am having so much trouble dealing with my 5yr old lately, and to see it through those words makes me see how I need to change things.

**missie_mack** · 08-05-2012 12:40

Yes yes yes

I so hear this. I feel like this is a bone of contention between my DH and I. Whilst DH is very supportive of AP/NP we often argue about what we should expect. He constantly complains that I cut DS too much slack and I complain that he expects too much and for our children to be 'little soldiers' like he was brought up to be (DH comes from a military family)

I would love to hear from other AP's on what they think we should expect from our children at certain ages

Oh and onionskin I sooo hear you on the five year old! DS is much more testing now than he ever was as a toddler. I think he is catching up for the missed terrible twos and threes that others complained about lol

**MummyBic** · 08-05-2012 12:58

Awesome article! Reminds me how I as a patent need to be mindful. Thanks for sharing

**starla** · 08-05-2012 13:00

Thank you

**onionskin** · 08-05-2012 13:05

M_M my dd is exactly the same, she was so placid as a toddler.

Honestly though, I really struggle with tantrums, and rather than getting better it seems to be getting worse. After reading the above I think they may be more my doing than hers

which is why it upset me so much. Need to find a new way because atm things just aren't working.

**SuperGranny** · 08-05-2012 13:08

hi, just sharing one thing,. We are all here to learn and to teach, some times adults are teachers, sometimes children are teachers. Dont be too caught up in what society 'expects' that you miss the lesson. I dont think I was an attachment parent, never heard the words while I was a mum, but I have become an attachment grandparent, (if there is such) As the Dali Lama says, " maximum Affection" that is what all children need. Marie .

**Nomsie** · 08-05-2012 13:14

Thank you for that article. DP and I also argue about his expectations are unrealistic, and he doesn't understand that young children need to learn and experience just like an adult. Simply telling a child not to do something 'because I said so' is not enough- they MUST know why, how, who, what where and when!
Being a teacher I learnt a lot about child pedagogy at uni, but didn't truly understand until I had children of my own!

If only I could teach DP the same principles!

Thank you again!