Wisdom, often regarded as a blend of knowledge, experience, and good judgment, is a crucial quality that can significantly influence a child's future. Teaching children wisdom not only helps them make better decisions but also fosters emotional resilience and critical thinking.
Research indicates that wisdom plays a vital role in competency and problem-solving abilities. For instance, a study by Gluck (2017) found that promising new developments are outlined that may bridge the gap between wisdom as a competence and wisdom as an attitude. I believe children equipped with wisdom are better prepared to navigate the complexities of life, leading to healthier relationships and improved mental health.
Parenting plays a crucial role in instilling wisdom in young children. A study by Weststrate and Fournier that the seeds of wisdom are sown by mothers quite early on in the lifespan.
Moreover, fostering wisdom in children can positively impact their moral development. According to Ardett, individuals with a wise personality tend to be open to new experiences, agreeable, conscientious, extraverted, and emotionally stable and to report greater psychological and subjective well-being.
Implementing wisdom-based education can begin at home or within educational settings. Simple storytelling or discussions about ethical dilemmas can encourage reflective thinking and enhance children's ability to reason through complex situations. Encouraging children to engage in discussions about values, ethics, and their implications can lead to greater self-awareness and stronger decision-making skills. By integrating wisdom into education and parenting, we can prepare future generations to face life’s complexities with prudence and compassion.
In conclusion, instilling wisdom in children is paramount for their personal growth and societal contribution. By prioritizing wisdom in their formative years, we nurture well-rounded individuals capable of leading with integrity and compassion.
Louisa Mastromarino is a certified counselor educator and Licensed Spiritual Health Coach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, a Master of Science Degree in School Counseling, and a post master’s degree in Supervision and Educational Leadership. Louisa is the author of Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to Washington, D.C., Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to New York City, Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brizzley Bear Loves Poetry and additional publications. Louisa's work has been highlighted in the noted publications Careers from the Kitchen Table by Raven Blair Davis and Miracles in the Divine by Beverly Pokorski. For distant appointments in spiritual coaching email distantholistic@gmail.com. Thank you.
References
Ardelt, M. (2004). Wisdom as Expert Knowledge System: A Critical Review of a Contemporary Operationalization of an Ancient Concept. Human Development, 47(5), 257–285. https://doi.org/10.1159/000079154.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2019
Glück J. Measuring Wisdom: Existing Approaches, Continuing Challenges, and New Developments. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2018 Oct 10;73(8):1393-1403. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbx140. PMID: 29281060; PMCID: PMC6178965.
Weststrate NM, Fournier MA. Sowing the seeds of wisdom:a longitudinal study of childhood entecedents. Innov Aging. 2018 Nov 11;2(Suppl 1):553–4. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2045. PMCID: PMC6228289.
Comentarios