Positive parenting: Turning a child's mistake into an opportunity for learning and growth
Amid the social and economic transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, investment in early childhood development stands out as a fundamental pillar for building a capable generation able to keep pace with the aspirations of Vision 2030. In this context, educational expert and kindergarten teacher, Najla Al-Anzi, affirms that modern educational methods based on kindness and inclusion are the best way to turn children's mistakes into learning and character-building milestones, far from harshness and punishment that may leave deep psychological scars.
Children's mistakes: an opportunity for growth, not a justification for punishment
In an interview with Al-Youm, Najla Al-Anzi explained that making mistakes is an integral part of human nature at all stages of life, and it is unreasonable to demand perfection from a child in the early stages of developing awareness. She said, “I firmly believe that as long as a person is alive, they make mistakes and learn from them, and they strive for the right path. So how can we demand perfection from a child, a perfection that we ourselves, as adults, lack?”.
She emphasized that every mistake a child makes is, in essence, a valuable opportunity for learning and gaining experience. Instead of resorting to yelling or punishment, the caregiver should view the situation as a learning opportunity to guide the child towards correct behavior, in a safe environment that gives them the confidence necessary for healthy cognitive and emotional development.
The global context of modern educational methods
Parenting is no longer simply a set of commands and prohibitions; it has become a science in its own right, based on in-depth studies in developmental psychology. Educational theories have evolved globally from a focus on strict discipline to the adoption of concepts like "positive parenting" and "kindness parenting." These modern schools of thought are based on the understanding that a child's brain is in a continuous state of development, and that experiences, including mistakes, contribute to the formation of neural connections. Harsh punishment breeds fear and anxiety, hindering the learning process, while dialogue and guidance foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills in children.
The importance of sound education in achieving the goals of Vision 2030
The importance of this educational approach extends beyond the family to directly impact the future of the nation. Saudi Vision 2030 aims to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy, a goal fundamentally based on human capital. Nurturing a generation with psychological well-being, self-confidence, innovation, and resilience begins in childhood. Children raised in a supportive and stimulating environment are better equipped to become productive and creative citizens who contribute effectively to achieving the Kingdom's sustainable development goals.
Prophetic guidance: A model of gentleness and gradualism in education
Al-Anzi condemned the harsh reprimanding method that begins with shouting and ends with negative psychological effects on the child. She cited the Prophet's teachings as a practical model for gradual and gentle parenting. She pointed out that prayer, the pillar of religion, was not subject to disciplinary action for neglecting it until after the age of ten, as in the Prophet's saying: “Command your children to pray when they are seven years old, and beat them for it when they are ten.”.
She emphasized that the years preceding this are sufficient to guide the child towards sound instincts and instill values in them through love and repetition, not violence. She concluded by recalling the hadith: “Kindness is not found in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it disgraces it,” conveying a crucial message to every educator and mentor: that successful upbringing is based on patience, understanding, and consideration of the child's age, and that kindness is the most powerful tool for beautifying and correcting behavior.
