Nicknames:
When a baby was born, it was a very big deal. The
birth celebration might last for four days. Sioux children were not given
names when they were born. They were given nicknames. Additional nicknames
would be added all their lives. As they grew older, some children won
names by doing a brave act. Others won names by showing a special talent
such as being a wonderful hunter, a marvelous beader, or a great
storyteller.
Punishment:
Sioux children were never spanked or hit. It was
punishment enough to be given a stern look. If they were really bad, they
might be scolded in front of the whole village, but those were very rare
cases. The children were rarely bad. It was embarrassing to be bad. Your bad
actions would most probably be rewarded with a nickname that could embarrass
you forever.
Education:
Boys were taught by their fathers. Girls were taught
by their mothers. Everyone in the village looked after the children. The
children were the future, and they were protected.
The Sioux Indians taught their children tribal customs
and Sioux beliefs
by using stories
and games. They
also taught them to recognize and write pictographs
and symbols.
Daily
Life, Sioux Men & Women
