One of the greatest barriers to peaceful parenting is the expectation that children should think like adults. However, science—and the philosophy of educators like Rudolf Steiner—tells us that from ages zero to seven, children operate primarily from the "back of the brain"6. During these years, they are learning to be embodied; they are driven by sensory experiences, hunger, and the need for safety7.
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and logic, does not even begin to mature until adolescence and continues developing until age 308. When we expect a five-year-old to "know better" or control a big impulse, we are asking for a biological impossibility9. This expectation often leads to parent frustration and child shame. By understanding that a child is not being "naughty" but is simply acting from a developing brain, we can replace punishment with guidance. We stop taking the behavior personally and start parenting the child in front of us, not the miniature adult we imagine them to be.
To know more please connect to our Certified parenting coach.
You must log in to leave a comment. Don't have an account? Create one for free!