Four Significant Lessons from One Simple Question

04. Nov, 2011 0 Comments

We are wired to think our ideas are great ideas. Children are no different. They naturally gravitate toward thinking they know best even when they have no idea what really is best. Parents have the benefit of more life experience that usually helps to identify impending disappointment more clearly.

Call them “older and wiser” if you must, but parents are better equipped to see beyond the moment to guide their children’s choices. The key, though, is that the child must be open to receiving help. A teachable disposition leads to fewer regrets. However, parents must also realize that they are in a much better position to help when they guide decisions rather than control every decision. The older the child the greater stake they have in the decisions that effect their life.

Parents who guide decisions are more likely to find their children willing to receive advice. Good advice leads to a good outcome and when children enjoy the benefit of a good decision they will be more likely to seek out advice again. Children who seek out what others think gain a glimpse into the world from another person’s perspective. They also benefit from learning from other’s experiences, both failures and successes.

Children will learn that life is better when others are included and one of the best ways to include others is to ask for their input. There are four significant lessons children learn when they ask this simple question: “What do you think?”.

When children ask, “What do you think?” they learn:

Humility: I don’t know everything.
Consideration: Other people have good ideas too.
Inclusivity: My world is better when I invite others to speak into my life.
Gratefulness: Others see things I can’t see.

These four traits provide a solid foundation from which any child can realize a great future. Each of these traits serves to create healthy relationships where people are valued over personal opinion. The most effective way to get our kids asking this question is for parents to begin asking them what they think. Children learn best to value what others have to offer when those around them are valuing what they have to offer.