.png)
Discover
how the union of respect and motivation can turn ordinary children into
confident, happy, and autonomous adults.
"A child who grows up being heard learns to trust
their own voice. A child who grows up being motivated discovers they can
fly."
Over the past few years, studies on child development
have increasingly emphasized the importance of respecting a child's timing,
feelings, and uniqueness. Research conducted by universities such as Harvard,
Stanford, and the University of São Paulo indicates that respect for
individuality is an essential factor in strengthening self-esteem and autonomy.
When a child is respected in what they say, feel, and choose in daily life,
they feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, and learn.
Respect does not mean permissiveness. It is about
setting limits with listening, empathy, and presence. A classic example is
Italian educator Maria Montessori, who, by introducing the concept of
"freedom with responsibility," showed how a prepared environment and
respect for the child’s rhythm promote spontaneous and effective learning. Children
who are respected tend to be more cooperative, less anxious, and better able to
solve problems.
In this context, motivation becomes a fundamental
ingredient. Research from Yale University shows that positive reinforcement and
consistent encouragement are essential for developing resilience. When a child
is motivated to persist even in the face of challenges, they internalize the
value of effort and understand that their potential is malleable.
Practical Tip: Instead of praising
only the result ("What a beautiful drawing!"), value the process
("You really dedicated yourself to this drawing. The colors you chose are
very harmonious!"). This motivates the child to keep trying.
An inspiring example of this respect-motivation duo
can be seen in the pedagogical practices of Antônio Carlos dos Santos, creator
of the "Pedagogies of Creativity and Autonomy (PCA)." Through
projects like the Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater (MBPT), he creates spaces where
children can freely express their emotions and ideas while being encouraged to
develop with empathy, active listening, and leadership.
Fun Fact: The MBPT uses puppets as therapeutic and educational
tools, acting as intermediaries between the child and their feelings. By
projecting their anxieties and dreams onto the puppets, children feel safe to
communicate and process experiences.
The same applies to the MAT methodology (Mindset,
Action, and Theater), which invites children and adolescents to think
positively about their abilities, engage in concrete actions, and use theater as
a form of creative and reflective expression. Dramatic exercises help develop
empathy, decision-making, and cooperation.
Motivational Quote: "When a child
understands that their voice has value, they learn that they can change the
world." – Antônio Carlos dos Santos
Theater Movement (ThM), in turn, highlights the
importance of the body as a channel for expressing the unconscious. A child who
learns to move with intentionality also learns to inhabit their body, feelings,
and actions with more awareness. These methods are being successfully applied
in schools and cultural centers across the country.
Inspiring Story: At a public school in
Pernambuco, a group of students with behavioral and learning difficulties began
participating in ThM activities. Within six months, teachers noticed increased
self-esteem, improved concentration, and a significant reduction in classroom
conflicts.
A valuable resource for parents and educators is the
children's book “The Thousand Faces Little Witch collection teaches you to
live better". Comprising ten volumes, the collection addresses key
topics such as planning, reading, meditation, friendship, and, especially in
the final book, respect and motivation. In this work, the author uses the story
of a frog family in search of a new home to teach children the value of
empathy, determination, and caring for others.
Collection Highlight: The book
"Respect and Motivation" shows how these values are essential for
facing changes and overcoming challenges. With a playful and colorful storyline,
children understand that being respected and motivated is fundamental to
becoming confident and happy adults.
Promoting autonomy does not mean rushing childhood. It
means allowing the child to participate, think, decide, and experience. Respect
and motivation form the foundation of this construction. When we care for
childhood with affection, we cultivate a more conscious, empathetic, and
innovative society.
When parents, teachers, and caregivers understand that
respecting is different from giving in, and that motivating is much more than
rewarding, we are ready to raise more human, creative, and confident
generations. The future is built today—with every word of encouragement, every
gesture of respect, and every opportunity for choice we give to children.
And, as The Little Witch with a Thousand Faces reminds
us: “When you respect others, you build the world you want to live in. And when
you motivate yourself, you learn to transform that world with joy."
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
.png)
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário