I just read Love and Logic, a book on parenting.
Here are some things I want to remember from the book.
- Never bluff. Kids will call you on it.
- Don’t give multiple warnings. The “real world” doesn’t.
- Avoid control battles whenever possible. If you must have one, win it.
- Be calm and loving. Don’t threaten you kids. (Do you like being threatened by your boss?)
- Give kids choices so they can learn to think for themselves and make their own decisions. This boosts confidence, independence and decision-making skills. Two choices is best. The silent third choice is “You didn’t decide so I will.”
- Let kids fail and experience their own natural consequences. We learn through experience, not being told things.
- Give kids as much control as they can handle, within reasonable boundaries. As they grow, progressively widen those boundaries. Teenagers, for example, should have a good deal of control over their lives, to prepare them for adulthood.
- Empathize with your kids. Rather than getting angry, feel their sorrow and pain when they make mistakes. Talk to them and make sure they own their problems (unless they are in serious danger).
It’s interesting to read others’ thoughts on parenting.
published .
Next Post : Deep Thoughts
Prev Post : Marriage
All Posts