There is a Swahili proverb that states, “A chick that will

grow into a cock can be spotted the very day it hatches.” This particular

proverb speaks volumes about personalities and how they affect life. Some

children are born with a natural desire to succeed. Their desires do not

typically come from external stimulators, but deep within themselves. These

particular children encourage themselves when no one else does and refuse to

accept failure without analyzing the causes and remedies necessary for future

success. Parents begin to notice these characteristics as the child grows into

their character and exhibits their individuality. Over the course of toddler

and adolescence years, parents begin to expect these positive behavior and

academic traits from the child. Attending award shows, receiving positive

reports from the teacher year after year, and admiring yet another honor roll

bumper sticker becomes the norm for students and parents within this arena.

This situation does not seem to have any negative ramifications on the surface,

but the possibility lurks in the mouth, mind, and hands of parents.

The

mouth, mind, and hands of parents are vital resources for sustaining a child’s

natural desire to flourish. These entities possess the ability to enhance or

dampen the spirits of talented youth. Holding high expectations for each child

will always be a priority for parents, but acknowledging the victory associated

with each goal is a must. Although not openly admitted, children long for

recognition from their parents. Unfortunately, many parents unconsciously overlook

achievements once they become a frequent occurrence. A child that receives

outstanding grades each quarter, creates the winning entry for the physics

fair, or delivers a mind blowing speech at an oratory contest needs to be acknowledged

regardless of his or her tendency to be triumphant.  At times, parents forget that children cannot

always tap into their souls and understand their inner feelings of pride. Maybe

communication is a weak point and affection feels uncomfortable to the parent,

but children do not equate silence and a lack of action as respect or love.

Thoughtlessly sidetracking a child’s moments

of success can result in catastrophic outcomes.

Emotional and mental damage can take place after continuous episodes of

unconscious disregard of the child. Children process events much differently

than adults and although parents may not think they are causing any harm, the

possibility of emotional pain is great. Children will begin to have a spiral of

thoughts that hinge upon the belief that their loved ones fail to believe in

their goals, dreams, and success. These feeling will eventually evolve into

feelings of loneliness, anger, resentment, and possibly depression. Many

children will be able to break this mentality and inwardly motivate themselves

to continue on their paths despite the emotional pain; however there are

children who respond entirely different and give up trying. Their inward desire

to achieve looses a bit of its fire during each occasion of disregard. Each

moment of disappointment allows the child to build a defensive wall of

nonchalance. The problem with indifference is that there is no passion. The

fire to achieve regardless of their ability to do so is no longer kindled and

their determination is destroyed bit by bit.

A chick will never grow into the

cock it is expected to become if it does not receive the proper nurturing from

its parents. Parents are responsible for providing a favorable environment for

development, and recognition plays a substantial role in this task. Verbal

affirmations, love, affection, rewards, and time are much needed resources for

fanning the flames that are longing to roar deep within the heart of a child.