It has been reported this week that Kim Kardashian is selling her daughter’s artwork for large sums of money and that perhaps she is persuading her daughter to do art because of the money it is making.
Whether there is any truth in this report or not, I don’t know, but my thoughts are that there is a fine line between encouraging your children to do things and pushing them to do it.
Are children doing things because they chose to or because you, as a parent want them to do them?
When I was a registered child minder I came across a parent who would tell her daughter that she could have a treat after being collected from me, if she got a quite complicated maths question correct! Which I felt was unnecessary pressure on the child.
I remember my dad telling me that when he was a lad his parents insisted that he learned to play the piano; he took all of the lessons, but because he had no interest in playing it, he never really mastered the art of reading music or of playing a tune.
My parents would support my sister’s and I in hobbies, such as horse riding when we were growing up, but we never felt pressured into dong things that they wanted us to do. I have had a similiar way of bringing up my children.
Remember whenever your child does well at anything; being their choice or yours give them the praise that they deserve- a pat on the back will go a long way.
Please share any thoughts and experiences of pushy parents with me, by leaving a comment and I will get back to you.
Until next time.
Karen
x
Linked with
I agree there is no point trying to get kids or even adults to do something they are not interested in. I think it’s also good to encourage kids to do something they enjoy even if they don’t excel at it, things like gymnastics, football, art etc can be just for fun, #KCACOLS
Absolutely, Clare, thanks for sharing your thoughts
I read that book Tiger Mom, and I know that sometimes I can nag my kids, but sometimes I feel like that’s my job to do that! If they did everything on their own without reminding, I wouldn’t need to. It’s nice if we can give children opportunities to try things out. #KCACOLS
As I said, Lana, a fine line between encouraging and pushing, thanks for your input
There is a very fine line between encouragement and coercion. As you say, children should be encouraged to do the things they like and let them decide whether they wish to do them #KCACOLS
I agree with you and I think organic positive praise is the appropiate way to encourage children to do whatever they enjoy. Anything else such as, rewarding them with a treat to achieve something is way too much pressure for children. Although, I’m sure the mum whose child you cared for was probably trying her best x x Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS
Pleased to hear that you agree with my thinking, Dana, thanks for stopping by
There definitely is a fine line between cheering them on and being overly pushing. Pushy isn’t fun and can steal the joy of of things, but there’s nothing wrong with being your little ones cheerleader if they love what they are doing. Thank you for joining us for the #mischiefandmemories linky
Absolutely, Annette, thanks for having me a part of the linky
Popped back from #mischiefandmemories xx
I think it’s a bit odd that she’d sell her child’s artwork. By all means celebrate it but selling it seems a little sad. It’s a difficult balance between showing enthusiasm as a parent and adding pressure.
Katrina x
#MischiefandMemories
It takes all sorts, I suppose, Katrina, thanks for your input
I think some parents put pressure on their children which leads to crises of confidence and feelings of failing to live up to expectations. On the other hand, some parents don’t encourage their children at all which could lead to fears of trying new things. It’s a tricky balance! Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories.
Absolutely, Laura, thanks for having me a part of the linky
Also popping by from #KCACOLS
Katrina x
To be honest, I sometimes wonder if I’m not pushy enough. I’m very easy-going but that works for us! #KCACOLS
Ha!Being a push over isn’t great, either, thanks for your comment