“Galuh, your drawing is wonderful!” I congratulated Galuh after completing his drawing task. “Who taught you?” I asked later.
Galuh stood silently, contemplating for a moment. He then smiled and shook his head. I became more curious. Galuh then simply shared: “No one taught me. But my dad is an expert painter. He often takes me to paint walls. He talks about paint colors and I really enjoy it. I don’t know why I like to draw.”
Then I understood it. This is what is known as belief communication.
Yes, the principle is quite simple. Every parent, every day, will demonstrate attitudes, words and actions that reflect his or her beliefs. For example, my father is a teacher. Every day I see him reading books, preparing study materials, teaching me, and sharing the joy of being a teacher.
Although my father never imposed his aspirations of becoming a teacher on me, he has communicated to me his belief that being a teacher is wonderful. Without realizing it, I was influenced by my father’s beliefs. My aspiration was also to be a teacher. My father successfully communicated his beliefs to me.
On the contrary, we often encounter the reality of children with negative behavior, low motivation to learn and no ambitions. I am sure this is due to the communication of negative beliefs demonstrated by his parents. If parents show attitudes of desperation, laziness, idleness and lack of learning, this communication pattern will be absorbed by children. Subsequently, it becomes the belief of children even if their parents urge them every day to do good things.
From here, the pattern of communication of beliefs by parents must be created appropriately. The reason is that what children absorb and understand from their parents are not just their words and commands, but rather their beliefs updated in their thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, habits, and daily interactions. Therefore, as parents we must be aware of this, and in daily life we must be able to communicate our beliefs effectively through the following three aspects.
First, communicate ideas and concepts effectively. Frequently communicate ideas and concepts to children. For example, parents’ ideas about the importance of education, the importance of sharing, writing books, etc. These ideas of the parents will be understood by the children. Children will know that their parents have noble dreams and aspirations.
This will be absorbed by children. Our children will grow up to be people who will continue their parents’ dreams and aspirations and form positive beliefs.
Second, communicate attitudes and actions effectively. If belief in ideas has been communicated, then establish pleasant communication and interactions through our positive attitudes and actions.
When we behave well, such as speaking kindly, learning, reading, creating, etc., children will understand our behavior patterns. Children will not only imitate but also believe that what they do must be like what their parents do. Children will understand their parents’ beliefs.
Third, communicate words and expressions effectively. Say everything kindly, there should be no harsh or angry words. Everything is conveyed very well and without coercion. Therefore, our children will understand our verbal communication. Children will imitate and be able to express their thoughts and ideas in a pleasant way just as their parents believed.
