It is important to teach our children their right to be free; however, we must be clear about how we are going to teach them about their freedom.

We will begin by making it clear to our children that freedom is not doing whatever they want without responsibility, but doing what is right in the eyes of society.

A free person thinks very carefully about what they are going to do before making a decision and takes responsibility for the effects that decision generates.

And this is what we must base our teaching of the right to be free on.

We could group the freedom that our children would need into 3 aspects:

We must create spaces and situations for our children so that they can think and have the ability to solve problems on their own, helping them to strengthen their ability to analyze different ways of resolving a situation.

And we can put this into practice from a young age, using everyday life events such as small squabbles with a friend because they want the same toy.

By introducing them to the ability to analyze and solve their problems from an early age, we are giving them valuable tools to develop maturity of thought and to feel free to express their reasons when the situations to be resolved are more complex.

Children have feelings just like adults, and it's important that we validate what they're trying to express through a tantrum or outburst. When a tantrum occurs, we can explain that we understand their anger, but that it's not the best way to resolve things.

It is necessary to teach them emotional education, so they know they have the freedom to feel angry or sad and that there is nothing wrong with that, but that they must know how to control their emotions and not let them control them. In this way, they will become masters of their emotions and develop emotional intelligence that will make them more stable adults in the future.

It is worth clarifying that this does not mean we should give in to their tantrums, as they must be corrected and limits set in time so that they do not happen again.

All children need to move to learn and grow, so we must ensure that our children have the space and opportunity to run, jump, walk, ride a bike, etc.

Avoid saying things like "don't climb up there" or "don't run" excessively ; overprotection can often lead to insecure or fearful children. It's important to clarify family rules and reinforce them consistently, but don't limit the freedom of movement that children need for their healthy development.

Remember that the value of freedom can be taught. If we guide our children to enjoy their freedom in a proper and disciplined way, we will help them become independent and able to solve their problems with education and respect, taking responsibility for the decisions they make.

Parents can determine the degree of freedom they should allow their children by observing their ability to manage it, the behavior they develop, their critical thinking skills, the independence they show, and their fulfillment of tasks and small responsibilities at home.

That is why it is essential that we do not do for them things they can do for themselves.

Dedicate quality time to getting to know your children; discipline and freedom can be combined to produce excellent results that will enhance the skills necessary for your children to become free, responsible, and happy adults.

Written by: Dr. Maribel Cortez