RECOGNISE GOOD

WE must have a positive reinforcement system in place to go along with consequences for negative behaviours.

This advice came from Chief Executive Officer of the Supreme Counselling for Personal Development, Shawn Clarke, as he addressed the non-profit organisation’s annual Christmas party and awards ceremony at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium over the weekend.

“Supreme Counselling firmly believes that to be able to acknowledge effort, we need to be able not only to see the effort but honour it and respect it. This is what we need to give children to see their efforts as something valid and truthful. It is up to us as adults through our eagle eyes and keen thoughts to recognise and acknowledge children’s efforts, their importance and what these efforts mean to the child.”

Carter believes that one of the most valuable ways to accomplish this is by offering one’s time towards their development.

The CEO reminded the parents in attendance that being young is more than just one’s age, but a time when they will experience a rollercoaster of emotions. This, he said, includes an uneven sense of self-esteem, self-doubt, uncertainty, lack of confidence and loneliness.

“You search for love and belonging, but being young also carries endless possibilities. Imagination, interest, energy, impatience and guts,” he said.

Carter who says he is hurt when his “supreme beings” get into trouble at school or home, maintains that they are on the cusp of doing great things if given the chance. “They are at the forefront of change and innovation and many have the spirit to make things happen, they just need to be given the tools, the skills to help them develop positively, the undying support of adults, the room to make mistakes and be corrected and the space to excel.”