Sensitive Discipline: How to Raise with Respect

Imagine that a child repeatedly breaks an agreed-upon rule. What is the first thing that comes to your mind?

He probably doesn't fully understand it yet.
Maybe he wants my attention, which he doesn't get elsewhere.
I'm considering whether that rule was really fair.
He's doing it on purpose again...
I have to clearly show him the boundaries again.

A child starts crying in front of you over something you consider trivial. How do you react internally?

I realize that his world has a different scale.
I will start to feel responsible for his tears.
It makes me a bit nervous, but I'm trying to stay calm.
I feel frustrated that this is not how things can work.
I'm wondering what is behind it – maybe something I can't see.

If you could be invisible and observe how others raise children, what would interest you the most?

How do they react in tense situations?
Whether they behave authentically or play a role.
How a child reacts when they are alone with themselves.
How much respect is given to the child in a conflict?
Whether their children respect them out of fear or trust.

When you think back to your own childhood, how did adults perceive your emotions?

They were overlooked, but I learned to suppress them.
They made light of them, but with love.
They took them seriously, and that gave me confidence.
I didn't understand them, and no one helped me.
They had their "manual," which didn't suit me.

If you had to entrust your child to someone else for a month, what would you write to them on a note?

Love him, even when it will be hard to understand him.
Be his guide, not his general.
Don't seek order, seek connection.
Teach him the rules, otherwise he will get lost.
Don't forget to have patience – a lot, a lot of patience.

How would you describe your mindset at the moment when a child interrupts you in the middle of an important task?

Unhidden irritation - it's already "over the line."
Reflex exhale and quick reaction.
The inner struggle between duty and guilt.
I will switch to "parental mode," even though it interrupts me.
I will stop and ask if it has symbolic value.

Imagine a situation where a child keeps asking questions. How does that affect you?

I am pleased with his curiosity.
I perceive it as a signal of uncertainty.
It's tiring, but I'm learning to understand it.
I want to explain to him that silence is also an answer.
I wonder where he lacks confidence in his own answers.

What do you think children remember the most from their childhood?

Feelings they experienced with us.
Whether they were accepted, even when they failed.
Who was with them when it hurt?
When were they punished or praised?
What limits were undeniable?

How would you respond to a child who says, "You never listen to me"?

Tell me what you need, and I'll try to be more present.
Do you feel like I'm ignoring you? Is it important to you?
It hurts me. Try to explain it to me one more time.
That's not true, I'm trying.
You don't always listen to me either...

If you had to describe respect in one image, what would it be?

An adult who kneels down to a child's level.
Open arms without words.
Two hands holding each other – but loosely.
A gate that closes with a smile.
Compass - always shows the direction, but does not pull.

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