Are we educating our children for violence? Some pedagogical aspects

This workshop will present various scenarios demonstrating how we sometimes “encourage” our children to adopt violent and undesirable behavior patterns instead of educating them to demonstrate self-control and restraint. The violent behavior is not encouraged intentionally, and in most cases its source is the good intentions of the parents and educators. We really and truly are interested in supporting our children and contributing to their being confident, happy and good-hearted. In many cases we achieve “short term relief” (for example, they stop “disturbing” or badgering), but at the same time we teach them to perform inappropriate behaviors in order to gain what they want. Such behaviors may easily develop into violence for its own sake.

All of the scenarios presented in this workshop refer to principles that explain how inappropriate and violent behavior develops. Each scenario is accompanied by suggestions of how to both avoid encouraging violence and instill the skills of restraint and self-control.

The role of educators and parents in this context are of the utmost importance. It is difficult to expect agents from “outside” the contexts in which the children function (school and home) to have a significant impact on their behavior. Therefore, it is recommended that parents and educators be sensitive to the above processes and commit themselves to instilling the desired values and the skills required for the children’s success. The workshop will demonstrate communication and teaching skills essential for reducing inappropriate behavior and for instilling self-control and cooperation.