The fourth component of the M.A.R.V.E.L. Method is VALUE. A value can be defined as a collection of guiding principles that provide the foundation for a family’s behavior. The important issue here is how values are learned. If we view the learning process more from a “monkey see-monkey do” perspective, it will help us to understand that EVERYTHING a child sees in his environment is in one way or another, teaching values. The point here is to emphasize the neurology of imitation learning at the earliest possible age and stage of development in order to develop the most successful foundation for the future.
Take a minute to ask yourself this question, if I never “taught” my child values in the traditional way, through verbal lessons, what would he/she have learned simply by watching me? Then ask yourself what “fitness” values are being taught to your child through your actions as a parent? Remember the “monkey see-money do” process of imitation learning is where the power lies. Children will begin to learn important values in infancy, simply by observing the models around them. This is a fantastic opportunity to instill a Positive Fitness Attitude at the earliest possible age, instead of feeling that you have to wait until your child has the “comprehension” skills and verbal development to interact with you in some type of “rational” manner.
Hi, I’m Rebound: If you realize that the “monkey see-monkey do” principle of mirror neurons is extremely powerful from infancy on, you have the potential to develop the value foundation for a Positive Fitness Attitude in infancy. Take a minute to check out my tool box for a couple of early VALUE activities for your very young child.
