Life lessons at Easter

The Easter story begins on a grim note with accounts of loud cheers and songs of admiration turning into fiery hatred and betrayal resulting in the death of an innocent man. 

Absolutely committed to purpose, this innocent man was so focused that he was not distracted by the actions and inactions of his accusers and murderers. He knew what he was about.

This year, the World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day, set aside to advocate mental health of children, follows right after Easter (April 23).

The disparity between the attitudes of the accusers and the accused in the Easter story raises an important issue of mental stability.

One party wavered in convictions while the other party was unflinching.

It is important to raise children who are consistent in life.

This is the inherent ability to maintain a set of values, ethics, practices, efforts or patterns of actions towards a goal. 

Insecure

Adults who are inconsistent or mostly unpredictable in their interactions tend to raise insecure children.

These children struggle to feel safe and secure even around well-meaning people. 

They have serious trust issues and spend more time looking over their shoulders to guard themselves instead of rejoicing in the love they are fortunate to be receiving.

As they say, reliability is the precondition for trust. 

Desired behaviours

By modelling consistency and setting up routines, children learn to engage in desired behaviours.

Helping them to focus on the process of achieving a goal and not merely the outcome builds the habit of consistent actions.

This is the mould in which a reliable nature is carved. Reliability describes a kind of consistency.

“Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot”, according to a wise Proverb.

This not only has painful consequences but the result is not satisfactory.

Consistent actions such as showing up on time, keeping promises or delivering quality work build trust and reliability. 

These qualities are necessary for living a fulfilled life as such social interactions end up yielding more gains.

Consistency

Consistent efforts required when learning a new skill or even exercising the body result in personal growth.

Children who are raised in an environment where consistency is prioritised often own up to their actions. 

This is why they need caregivers who are consistent in their dealings with them whether in school or at home.

This includes setting clear rules and boundaries, communicating effectively and consistently enforcing consequences for misbehaviour.

The kind of confusion and oscillation between two opinions that some people operate in habitually could be due to inconsistent parenting styles in childhood.

It is important to note that our children are likely to mirror the intricacies of our relationship with them.

The writer is a Child Development Expert/ Fellow at Zero-to-three Academy, USA.

E-mail: nanaesi_19@yahoo.co.uk