In clearing out some old papers I stumbled across a saved clipping from some magazine or pamphlet that resonated with me for one reason or another… Read on, and tell us your thoughts…
If and adult is reinforced for behaving in appropriately, we call is recognition… if a child is reinforced for behaving appropriately, we call it bribery.
If an adult laughs, we call is socializing… if a child laughs, we call it misbehaving.
If an adult writes in a book, we call it doodling… if a child writes in a book, we call it destroying property.
If an adult sticks to something, we call it perseverance… if a child sticks to something, we call it preservation.
If an adult seeks help, we call it consulting… if a child seeks help we call it whining.
If an adult is not paying attention, we call it preoccupation… if a child is not paying attention, we call it distractibility.
If an adult forgets something, we call it absent-mindedness… if a child forgets something we call it retardation.
If an adult tells his/her side of the story, we call it clarification… if a child tells his/her side of the story, we call it talking back.
If and adult raises their voice in anger, we call it maintaining control… if a child raises their voices in anger, we call it a temper tantrum.
If an adult hits a child we call it discipline… if a child hits a child, we call it fighting.
If an adult behaves in an unusual way, we call him/her unique… if a child behaves in an unusual way, we refer him/her for a psychological evaluation!
~ Author unknown