Methods Tailored to Children’s Developmental Stages

METHODS
As children grow, they require different approaches. According to their developmental stage, one should proceed as follows:

0–6 Years:
Parents should adopt a warm, patient approach while still enforcing consistent rules. This period shapes the child’s capacity for love and compassion, so mistakes should not be met with anger. Instead, use deprivation-based consequences to explain errors. The affection and tenderness cultivated now will influence the child for life.

6–10 Years:
The mother takes on the role of friend, while the father embodies authority. At this age, children begin to discover themselves and are highly influenced by their surroundings. To understand these changes, the mother acts as a friend. As children still follow their impulses rather than reason, the father’s authoritative role is crucial—not through shouting or anger, but by maintaining firm rules and balancing privileges with deprivation when necessary.

10–15 Years:
Both parents should function as friends, yet the father must not relinquish authority. This is the period when children’s transformations intensify and parental influence wanes. The goal shifts from enforcing authority to preparing the child for life. During this time, children should see their parents as advisors and feel free to share their needs. Being “friends” with the child while still upholding boundaries fosters open communication; asking for their opinions before discussions is especially beneficial.

15 Years and Beyond:
At this stage, a partnership approach prevails. Since the child has reached the level of a contributor rather than an apprentice, one should solicit their input rather than issue directives. The youngster is now an assistant in family matters, and thus deserves to be treated as such.