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All children are born with traits that their parents have passed down to them. Each child has chromosomes which are passed down to them from the mother and the father.(Twenty-three from each) This is where are hereditary potential comes from.
Everyone is born with hereditary potential and that is then shaped and molded by our surroundings or our culture. A realistic definition of culture would be a social group. These groups help us to form attitudes, beliefs, customs, values---who we are. This process begins at birth.
If we are, in fact, shaping and molding our children by the attitudes that we posses; we need to make sure that we are positive role models.
Heredity and environment both play a major part in the development of a person’s total personality.
Families from different backgrounds will have different ways of training or raising their children.
Problem children are most often the product of inadequate love received from parents and loved ones.
A parent must give a child more than food, shelter, and clothing. A child must be given a proper self-esteem. They must feel needed and wanted. A child needs to feel secure in the family structure.
Showing and teaching love provides the security that a child needs. It shows them how to love themselves and others in a constructive way.
Children need a stable living arrangement if they are going to learn how to contribute to society. There are seven basic functions that must be carried out within the home for this to be possible.(While they may not be carried out in the home exclusively--that is where it must start.)
1.) The family (parents) must provide for the care of, feeding, clothing, and a place to reside for each and every child.
2.) The family is responsible to see to it that each child is provided an education. Whether that be through public or private means, an education is essential.
3.) Religious beliefs must be taught in the home.
4.) Some member of the family needs to be gainfully employed. Mother or father it does not really matter.
5.) Parents are responsible for the social upbringing of a child. They must be taught how to get along in the world around them. They must be out and about and not kept in isolation.
6.) Recreationally: It is important that families do thing together. A family that plays together--stays together.
7.) Finally, affection. It is vital to teach our children how to love. With out this, they will be lost.
Early childhood experiences are so important. It is what they learn now that will stick with them for the rest of their life.
Our children are also affected by many outside influences. We must be careful and aware of what they are. Some of the outer influences to watch are as follows:
1.) Mass Media---Newspapers, magazines, television, radio. Almost every home in America has at least one of these and many times all. With the violence that is projected here, we must be careful. A child learns by watching. If they watch violence, violent is what they will become.
In helping to choose and set guidelines, we must insure that our children are picking positive role models.
2.) Child Abuse---Break the cycle now. Never ever hit a child. Millions and millions of children are abused every year. It is a proven fact that many abused children become abusers.
3.) Divorce---For the child's sake stay friendly. Your son/daughter needs you both. It is not their fault that you can not stay together. If you can not work it out to stay together, work it out so that you can both play an active roll in your child’s life. This is a must. In the school system this type of child will need to be shown love and understanding. We need to be patient with them and realize that acting out will be a part of their personalities. Then they need to be re-directed and vent the anger and frustration that they feel in a productive nature.
4.) Latch-Key: Children need someone home with them when they are home. It is not a stable environment when they come home to an empty house.
These children are going to need more individual time. They are going to need more one on one in the school system so that they can achieve their highest potential.
Inherited traits have a big influence on personality. The most obvious, of course, would be the physical resemblances. Some children will accept this without question while others will resent the fact that they look the same as other family members.
A mother’s physical condition during pregnancy can also have a big influence on a child’s personality.
If the mother’s physical condition is poor the child can have an endocrine imbalance, dietary deficiencies, and even poor health. This all could end up having a major effect on the child. It is a proven fact that children who are raised in hospitals must have a very structured life. This can follow them into adulthood and cause for some real problems.
Where children are raised will also play a major part in a child's personality and in their ability to learn. If they live in a home where the parents do not have the time to work with them and encourage what is being taught in school, the child will be more likely to fail than in a home where there is constant encouragement and teaching. A child's position in the family can also affect this. Many times middle children have more trouble than others in the family.
Physical growth and development also affect a child. If they are too big or too small for their age this tends to make them feel self conscious and will hinder their ability to learn. A handicap can also slow down a child's progress. It is important to get these children in extra programs dealing with these issues so they can over come.
Summary: Children's personalities are influenced by their background, environment, physical, mental, emotional, and social needs. Their personal experiences are what make the unique and help to mold the person that they are going to become. Closely observing your child at home and at play can help you have a better understanding of who they are and what their needs are.
We need to pattern a way of teaching the child that will fit their personality and ability to learn.
Every child deserves the chance to learn, to be loved, and to have good role models. It is our job as parents and teachers to make sure that those goals are achieved.
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