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Raising children? Have to deal with someone else's? Considering a family?Let's talk kids!Claudia Quigg hosts this weekly reflection on best practices, experiences, and research related to child rearing and parenting. Thursdays at 12:50 PM and 7:50 PM

Let's Talk Kids: "Steadiness"

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NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

“Steadiness.”  It’s an old-fashioned word like “duty” or “diligence.” It can’t compete with more modern terms like “efficiency,” “speed,” or “multi-tasking.”  If we think to honor “steadiness” at all these days, it’s in reference to those with superb fine motor control, like brain surgeons and bomb detonators, whose steadiness has life-altering implications.

But there is a larger application of that word as it relates to temperament, behavior, and effort.  I recently attended a kindergarten graduation at a local Montessori school.  One five-year-old fellow there was honored for honing his gift of “steadiness.”  That word conjured up a number of images for me.

In my mind’s eye, I could see him moving thoughtfully to his work, planning what he would do.  I could see a look of determination on his face as he assembled the materials he would need to carry out the task.  I could imagine him trying time and again to get the result he sought.

All the while, his steadiness was the vehicle carrying him to grow other attributes.  He was sharpening his own sense of intentionality, determined that he would follow through on his plan. He was developing persistence, learning the value of completing what he started.  He was increasing his sense of dependability, feeling proud that his teacher could count on him to do what was expected of him.

This little guy’s steadiness has made him master of his own ship.  Through his own steady practice, he has learned self-discipline in a way that no one else could have taught him.  He has experienced first-hand the very real pleasure of satisfying his own internal motivation.

In the world of early childhood education where I live, I hear great passion for helping children learn many things.  Many of them are connected to being ready for whatever next test the child will be taking, and are often related to letters, numbers, and other measurable skills.

But steadiness is not a skill that will ever be assessed on a test.  Instead, steadiness is an attribute to be gained which prepares one for a satisfying life.

It occurs to me that, even at my age, I think I could work on my own steadiness.  Apparently, like my new five-year-old friend, some of us are able to learn that skill when we are very young.

Claudia Quigg is the Executive Director of Baby TALK and writes the Let's Talk Kids parenting segment and column that honor the expertise parents have about their own children and explores issues that are universal for families. From toilet training and sibling rivalry to establishing family values, Claudia Quigg provides thoughtful and accessible insights that are meaningful to families' needs.
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