A Good Childhood and a Good Life
A good life…While this expression stands for different demands and meanings from person to person, being healthy and having a stable business life and a healthy social circle seem to be ideal for many people.
In a longitudinal study called the Seattle Social Development Project, it was revealed that “a good life” in the adulthood is a product of the watchful guidance provided by teachers and parents during the elementary school years.
This project included more than 800 people, who were monitored from the fifth grade to their 30s. A study program was developed in order to enable parents and teachers to establish stronger relationships with children, and the children or students of these adults grew up to have a better health and socioeconomic status.
One of the most fundamental truths revealed in the research is the fact that an interference at early ages and being supportive yield positive results. Parents and teachers were provided with courses on proper interference and supporting methods within the scope of the Seattle Social Development Project. During these courses, it was taught how children can develop good social skills that would help them establish healthy relationships, and how one can provide them with a better support. For instance, changing the seating order in the classroom, giving children more responsibilities, and creating expectations that are fit for the tasks they will do are among the examples of such methods.
Recently, the participants, now adults, have been assessed regarding different aspects of their lives, and the data collected have showed that the ones participating in this social development program have less mental health problems, that they have healthy behaviors and are socioeconomically sound. Although it is not correct to say that all of these good life indicators are enabled by this program, it is a clear fact that all these factors enabled parents and teachers to provide a more suitable ground for the little children to grow up and be mature. Thanks to this, individuals are able to make responsible decisions and establish satisfactory relationships as they grow old.
As seen, it is extremely important to improve the positive socialization opportunities of a child by interacting with them as a parent or a teacher. When strong ties are established, it is more probable for the children to meet expectations and show a better performance.