Nicholeen Peck Reacts To A Child Teaching Self-Government

Child Teaching Self-Government: A Fresh Perspective

Hi, I'm Nicholeen Peck, and I teach parenting, effective communication, and how to build strong family bonds through the principle of self-government. Today, I want to share something truly inspiring—a young boy teaching self-government.

Recently, I received a video from a parent who has been implementing self-government in their family for years. She shared a video of her son, who chose to teach self-government for a school assignment. In this article, I'll share some highlights from his video and discuss the valuable lessons we can learn from it.

A Surprise Lesson in Self-Government

The Ward family reached out to me unexpectedly with a text message saying, "Hey, Nicholeen, you'd probably find this interesting. Look, my son did this for a school assignment!" Intrigued, I watched the video and was blown away. This young man, around 11 years old, professionally delivered his speech in one take—a feat that even I, as a seasoned YouTuber, find impressive.

The Young Teacher’s Perspective

In his speech, the young Ward highlighted his personal experiences and transformations through self-government. He shared stories of his struggles and triumphs, demonstrating a deep understanding of the principles and skills of self-government. His energy and enthusiasm were contagious, making it clear that these skills had profoundly impacted his life.

The Importance of Calmness

One of the key points he emphasized was the importance of calmness. He noted that none of the self-government skills would work without maintaining a calm face, voice, and body. This insight is crucial, as it underscores the foundation of effective self-government.

Practical Strategies for Calmness

The young Ward didn’t just stop at stating the importance of calmness; he also provided practical strategies for achieving it. He discussed creating a calm place to retreat to, the benefits of deep breathing, and even referenced Disney movies like Tinkerbell to illustrate the concept. His understanding of these strategies was not only impressive but also demonstrated his commitment to applying them in his life.

The Four Basic Skills

He then delved into the four basic skills of self-government: following instructions, accepting no answers, accepting consequences, and disagreeing appropriately. His explanation of these skills was insightful and mature. For instance, he added a unique twist to the skill of following instructions by suggesting that one should say "check" to oneself upon completing a task—an innovative way to ensure self-accountability.

Real-Life Applications

To make his points relatable, he shared personal anecdotes. One story involved his disappointment when he couldn’t go to a trampoline park due to not receiving a no answer respectfully. His honest reflection on this experience highlighted the cause-and-effect relationship crucial to self-government.

Accepting Consequences and Disagreeing Appropriately

He also discussed the importance of accepting consequences and provided clear steps for doing so. His explanation of disagreeing appropriately was particularly noteworthy. He shared a scenario where he respectfully disagreed with his mother about unloading the dishwasher, demonstrating that calm, respectful communication can lead to positive outcomes.

Empowerment Through Self-Government

Throughout his speech, the young Ward conveyed a strong sense of empowerment. He knew his parents would listen to him and that he could express his opinions respectfully. This empowerment is a testament to the effectiveness of self-government in fostering mature, confident, and respectful individuals.

Conclusion

This young man's video is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of self-government skills. It shows that when children are taught these skills, they gain the confidence and maturity to navigate life's challenges effectively. His endorsement of self-government at such a young age is inspiring and underscores the value of these principles.

If you're interested in learning more about self-government, I have a full class available on my channel titled "The Not So Known Secret for Parenting Success."