Child Generators: Be Patient
Generators interact with the world around them primarily by responding. As children, Generators produce a host of non-verbal signals to reflect their responses to life events. It is important to explain to them that they need to wait for an inner response when they are asked about something or when suggestions are made. Our little Generators typically respond to the world with sounds that mean yes or no, so don’t force them to say yes or no in words. Once they have come to understand and accept their nature and learned to relate actions and decisions to natural responses, you can begin to teach them about cultural communication. It is also worth remembering that it is a normal practice in parenting to allow for the opportunity of a negative response from a child. Because the Generator is the most energetic type, there will always be energy in the child that needs to be directed. It is better to put Generators to bed when they’re completely exhausted and not force them before they’re ready. Routines without limitations work best for children of this kind, and bedtime should be when they’re tired. Of course, in practice it can be hard to put children to bed even when they’re good and ready, but if you can, you will reap the benefits of healthy, restful sleep. Another aspect of raising Generators has to do with encouraging responses through questions. Child Generators should be asked about absolutely everything. Don’t hint at a correct response, either. Parents tend to address children in the imperative, which can lead to the development of a False Self that can be hard to shake off down the road. With Generators, it’s a good idea to change the imperative to the interrogative. Try “How about eating a little more?” in place of “Eat some more, child!”. Patience will come in handy when you start hearing no in response to all of your questions, but the main thing is to keep asking even if you don’t get the response you were looking for. By approaching parenting in this manner, you let the child know that they are respected and loved and that they will not be forced to do things someone else’s way. They will understand that they are free to make their own decisions, and they will respect other people in turn.