How to Manage Pride in Children
Arrogance or pride in children can lead to important behavioral changes. What can we do to help them?
Pride is a common emotion in people’s lives and children are no exception. However, it can be a cause for concern if this feeling is present too often and starts radically changing our child’s behavior. Here are some tips for managing pride in children.
Pride in children, a problem that starts at home
Every human being shows pride at some point in life. But what is pride, exactly? One definition is an excess of appreciation towards oneself, both physically and because of our achievements, merits or abilities.
Children also show pride, since this is a natural human emotion. However, when it begins to manifest too often, this feeling can easily turn into arrogance, vanity or hubris.
Children who are too proud or arrogant start experiencing changes in their behavior. They usually get in trouble with other children in their environment. They can even have problems with adults, since they usually act like they feel superior.
Overly proud children become harsh, so they start having problems when it comes to socializing and being accepted by other children.
The problem with this kind of behavior is that it usually develops as a consequence of the family circle. In other words, in most cases children copy the behavior and attitude from their parents, grandparents and other relatives that may be constantly present in the children’s lives.
How can we avoid pride in children?
The main measure we must take to avoid the development of pride in children is to thoroughly analyze the behavior of all family members.
According to experts, children usually imitate this kind of behavior. Thus, without a change in the attitude of parents and other relatives, it will be very difficult to manage pride in children.
Value the importance of all emotions
Parents must guide their children, and in the process it is fundamental that they explain why emotions are important. Feeling anger and sadness is as necessary as feeling joy. The same thing happens with pride.
There’s nothing wrong with feeling good about the achievements and merits we obtained through our effort and hard work. However, when pride becomes repetitive and turns into arrogance, there is a problem. The key for success and well-being is balance.
If parents don’t want to encourage the development of attitudes such as arrogance, it is important for them not to give in to possible tantrums. If parents always please their children and yield to their fits, they’ll never learn true respect and limits.
Show them that every action has a consequence
Another important lesson is the one about consequences. Children must clearly understand that every action has a consequence, particularly if we’re talking about a negative attitude.
For instance, if children offend or hurt someone due to their pride, they should be spoken to about their behavior.
Asking for help
If your child develops too much pride, even after you’ve done all you could, the best thing to do is ask for help.
Psychologists are the most suitable professionals to find out why children are acting this way. They can also guide and help parents throughout the process.
Education at home is key
Parents’ behavior and attitude are fundamental for the correct development of their children. We must set a good example at home, which is why we must be very careful with what we say and how we say it when our children are present.
Reinforcing positive attitudes as well as identifying and correcting negative ones are fundamental aspects of children’s upbringing.
Managing pride in children shouldn’t be a complicated task, as long as parents are fully committed. With patience and affection, we can change our children’s behavior.