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For children, being aware of their surroundings is crucial. And with good reason. It
allows them to be more aware of potential risks in their environment. It increases
their memory and improves their perception.
It is reasonable to assert that it’s important to teach children to be aware of their
environment. Aside from situational awareness, there’s another skill that can benefit your child. Unfortunately, this doesn’t get emphasized as much as it should. What is this skill?
It is self-awareness. Let’s break this concept down to understand it better.
Self-awareness is the ability to pay attention to yourself. You see how your behavior, thoughts, and emotions align with your standards. You can thus analyze yourself, manage your emotions, and grasp how others see you.
How important is self-awareness? The World Health Organization has this to say:
They identify it as one of the ten skills in life which enhance well-being. This was the case across many cultures around the world. We can conclude that self-awareness is very important. The benefits of learning it are many for adults and children alike.
We must admit, though, that this isn’t an easy skill for even adults to learn. This begs the question; how can you help your children develop self-awareness?
Let’s consider five ways you can help your child become self-aware:
1. Help them identify their emotions. Help your child to identify the various feelings they may have. This can help them understand the reason they feel the way they do. How can you do this? Use opportunities that present themselves to teach them this.
For instance, if you are watching a movie or reading a bedtime story. Point out particular emotions they can recognize. Then explain what they are and why people feel that way. When you do this, you will expand your child’s understanding of their emotions.
You will also help them broaden their emotional vocabulary. This will improve both their self-awareness and their communication skills.
2. Encourage them to express their feelings. Allow your child to express their feelings to you. When they’re talking to you, pay attention and be patient. If what they are sharing is a mistake, they’ve made it. Show your support and assist them in accepting responsibility for their actions.
This will help them acknowledge their feelings. It will also assist them in becoming more decisive when they need to act to fix errors. When children can do this, they are well on their way to developing self-awareness.
3. Help them develop a growth mindset. Those with a growth mindset are always eager to learn new things. They’re also receptive to change. Children with this mindset are more likely to want to learn about themselves.
They can take time to figure themselves out. Including all the ways they are growing and changing.
When they do, they can come to an understanding of who they are. Their passions and motivations. Their strengths and flaws. Because of this knowledge and acceptance, your child will be more self-aware.
4. Encourage your child to confront their weaknesses. Your child will definitely not like to deal with their flaws. Doing so will come with feelings of failure and inadequacy. Assist your youngster in understanding that it is natural to have flaws.
You can do this by pointing out some of your personal weaknesses. Then, if possible, help them plan steps for overcoming their flaws. If this isn’t something they can yet overcome, teach them to accept their limitations.
When your child isn’t afraid to face their flaws even if it is something they fear, they’ll be able to accept and be aware of all parts of themselves.
5. Set an example. Modeling self-awareness in your life is the best method to
teach it to your child. Allow your child to realize when you’re dealing with a
difficult situation. Let them know how you feel about it. And show them how
you plan to deal with it.
These steps to develop self-awareness in your child may not always be easy to follow. Remember this when things become tough. It’s worth the effort to help your child become self-aware. You’ll notice your child’s flourishing emotional and social well-being. Your child will build vital skills that will help them thrive in life.
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