It is easier to make children obey the commands of their parents through reverence towards the adult than fear towards them, said Vidya Shankar, the mind behind Cascade Montessori Resource Centre which has been working closely with parents in the city to improve parent-children relationship through the Montessori method.
“Children who are two-year-old or above seldom obey their parents’ commands. It is so because this is the stage where their own will is formed and from here on they do not instinctively obey the adults but decide themselves whether to obey or not,” said Vidya while conducting the 4th session on various techniques of improving child parent relationship at the Cascade Montessori Resource Centre, Thiruvanmiyur.
The sessions which started 6 months ago have become increasingly poplular and now, have many takers. The session focused on creating the perfect environment and atmosphere for the kids to thrive wherein Vidya alluded to the teachings and techniques of Maria Montessori and explained the importance of taking proper care of the child’s surrounding to optimise their learning. She said “I have seen many parents who often complain that their child is not obeying them. The best solution is to give them a reason to obey. In school, the teacher writes an ‘S’ on the board and the whole class becomes silent. That is not because of fear but their reverence towards her.”
Vidya also explained the parents the importance of setting limits at home. She said “If you allow a child to do anything he/she wants it will be really difficult for him/her to adapt to those limits, later. Instead, parents should guide their children gently on what they are allowed to do and what is forbidden.”
The Cascade Montessori Resource Centre in Thiruvanmiyur has been providing help to parents on how to ensure holistic growth of their children through the Montessori method. Over the course of these sessions it has benefited several parents and teachers alike who have attended these sessions, said Vidya Shankar.