Parent Magazine Volusia/Flagler June 2019 | Page 18

Happy & Successful Kids:
PERSPECTIVE TAKING—WALK A WHILE IN MY SHOES
By Jan Pierce, M.Ed.
O
ne of the most important skills we can teach in life. Learning when and how to move beyond their
our children is to see another person’s point of own welfare and reach out to another person with
view. If we’re honest, we’ll acknowledge it’s understanding is an attainable goal for young children.
difficult for us grown-ups to do that very thing. It’s hard
trying to imagine what another person is thinking or
feeling. It’s not always pleasant to give another person
what they want or need. How do we respond when
we disagree?
But those children who learn to respect another’s
When we teach lifeskills, we’re teaching children to
take charge of their own behaviors and attitudes.
We’re giving them tools to use as they learn and
grow and develop their unique personalities in our
complex world. How will they cope with life choices,
relationships and challenges?
perspective and who choose to honor another person’s
desires will be healthier, happier and more successful
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