Don’t forget the Kids

I just got walloped in UNO.  To be fair, I haven’t played UNO for a very long time.

Miles, who is a 6-year-old Inquiring Green and Ellis, 9-year-old Authentic Blue, played fair and square. I noticed the competition between Miles and I (Resourceful Orange, age unimportant), and the harmonizing from Ellis when he felt there was some tension.  Who Won?  Ellis did, and he did check in to make sure that Miles and I were ok with that outcome. 

I also recently spent time with Harlow, a 12-year-old Organized Gold, who became a bit unravelled when I spontaneously came up with new last minute travel plans.  She let me know that it is better to be better prepared and explained the benefits of arriving early. 

It is important to respect and strive to meet the needs of each other, including our children.  How we influence any child can have a lasting effect on their successful development into adulthood. 

It is important to recognize and honour each child’s natural temperament in a way that affirms their individuality. Gaining a clear understanding of each child’s needs, values, and beliefs across all four dimensions can help boost their self-esteem.

An Inquiring Green child requires positive feedback on the quality of their work, opportunities to increase knowledge and build competence, freedom to determine what their responsibilities are.  They often question authority and find it necessary to respect adults before learning from them.

An Organized Gold child wants consistency, clear rules and regulations. They want opportunities to display responsibility and to be of service to others. They need clear and specific feedback and to be acknowledged as an important part of the family. They understand and respect authority and are comfortable with routine.

A Resourceful Orange child is apt to be active, wanting opportunities to challenge their imagination and to develop a wide variety of skills to show initiative and cleverness. They sometimes have a difficult time fitting into any routine. They learn by doing and experiencing, rather than listening and reading. They are motivated by their own natural competitive nature and sense of fun.

An Authentic Blue child create harmonious environments. They need opportunities to demonstrate their creativity, communication and encouragement to support others. They require personal recognition for their accomplishments and want opportunities to motivate others. They are extremely imaginative and react with great sensitivity to discordance or rejection. They respond to encouragement rather than to competition.

Don’t forget the kids. Creating a happy and healthy environment motivates them.  

BTW I bought a new card game, Miles and Ellis have never played it.  We are starting on the same page when I crack open the package.