How and Why, We Work to Empower Children
The Oxford Dictionary defines empowerment as “the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights”.
Empowerment as action refers both to the process of self-empowerment and to professional support of people, which enables them to overcome their sense of powerlessness and lack of influence, and to recognize and use their resources.
To empower children is to guide them to feel valued, capable and to realize they play the role of creator in their own lives and futures. Confidence and self-esteem enable children to feel happy and comfortable with who they are, as well as try new things. They are more likely to manage their own behavior.
We can help children build their resilience when they are able to step out of their comfort zone and learn from missed steps rather than be devastated by them. Empowering a child encourages independence by allowing them to have a say in their lives and make choices that affect them.
It is a key factor in building resilience, which enables children to bounce back from whatever life throws their way. A confident, independent child has the best chance of being an effective learner and shaping a future for themselves.
When children understand that they are powerful creators in their own worlds, they develop a sense of self-respect that enables them to better respect and value others.
The Global Fund for Children, offers 5 tools that adults can employ to support the development of self-empowerment in children.
Giving children responsibilities supports them in believing in their own capability.
Encouraging them to try new things and to try again lets them know that they can make mistakes and recuperate and learn from them.
Involving children in family and classroom decisions demonstrates that you value them and believe in their capability. Decision making is an important element of social emotional and cognitive development.
Remember that children look to us for clues in behavior, and leading by example can give them a road map toward independence.
Educators and family support can guide children on their journey. The operative word is THEIR journey. When we demonstrate our belief in their capability and create environments that offer opportunities for the development of self-empowerment, we scaffold their learning.
For example, by allowing children to play, paint, draw, and create on their own, you're allowing them a voice to share something with you — so make sure you're listening.
Let’s empower children today and help them to become more resilient, effective learners. What better way to set them on a path to reach their full potential.
This article is part of our Summer 2023 Newsletter. See all articles.
