The American Dream?

Today our pastor gave a terrific sermon about parenting. Part of it included an interesting challenge about God's Dream vs. the American Dream for your child. I want to adapt some of what he said.
Often in our parenting we think - or dream - about what our kids will become in life. Some parents are guilty of pushing their child to follow a particular profession. Some parents live vicariously through their child and push him/her into a certain career. Some dream the American dream of their child doing better, having more, and living higher than the parent. However, I think wise parents don't entertain the American dream but focus on character qualities - who our children become rather than what they do. Why? Because it teaches our kids that we love them whatever they choose to study or become.
So what are the inner qualities that can make your child successful regardless of the American dream career? How about these: determination, honesty, responsibility, self-control, thoughtfulness. |
Determination will keep your child motivated even in the face of difficulties or interruptions. Honesty will make your child one with integrity who others trust (plus able to live with his/her conscience). Responsibility will help your child behave the "right" way even when you (or school officials, police, the job's boss) aren't around to supervise & properly response-abled to life situations. Self-control will keep your child on task (like school work or a job) and a healthy role model to your grandchildren. Thoughtfulness will make your child think of others first to create a better world.
I remember my sister-in-law once told me, "I just want my kids to be good and kind." She entertained no aspirations for what they did in future careers because that wasn't as important to her as what her kids were. Guess what? Her first became a school teacher, her second is a CPA, and her third is a special education tutor. And each is polite and pleasant to be around!

Just think, as a parent, YOU have the ability to model character qualities so your child will learn them too. And that is good discipline!

Discipline Builds Self-Esteem

Many parents tell me that they don't want their discipline to injure their child's self-esteem. I applaud parents for this sensitivity, however, consistent, respectful discipline BUILDS a child's self-esteem. It sends the message, "I love you enough to care."

What a relief when I learned that self-esteem and self-confidence are different. We teach self-esteem, but confidence comes from experience. Even people with healthy self-esteem occasionally lack confidence.

Teach your child that he/she is worth your discipline. You are being a good parent - and showing love - when you take time to teach your child appropriate behavior.

Remember, tune in to The Parent's Plate internet radio show every Tuesday at 10 am (EST). If you miss the live show, click on my host page and get this hour of empowerment on podcast or with a free subscription to The Parent's Plate on iTunes!

Would I Like Me?

Have you ever thought what you look or sound like when disciplining a child?

I've seen some parents stand erect, hands on their waist, looking scornfully down at their child through an angry red-faced grimace. To tell you the truth, that'd intimate me!

I've seen some parents and childcare providers grit their teeth and force each word out their terse lips as if they were a pressure cooker about to blow. Yikes, that'd frighten me!

When my girls were young, there were days it seemed as if everything they did got on my last nerve. Whether it was them, me, the weather, or PMS, I wasn't a very nice mom and did my share of emotional disciplining. One day, I went into my bedroom after an "episode" and glanced in the mirror. The person looking back was an angry, unloving woman. She doesn't look like anyone I'd want to be around, I thought. And probably my girls felt the same way. Sad.

From that day forward, I've tried to look and sound more self-controlled and to be someone I'd want to be around. I never want my children to comply simply out of fear or intimidation. Rather, I want to be approachable so I can help my children be teachable.

How about you - when disciplining, would you like to be around yourself? Think about it today.
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Your hour of empowerment is Tuesday morning 10-11 am (EST) on The Parent's Plate internet radio show with me, your host. If you listen live, feel free to call our show with your questions or comments 877-864-4869.

Tuesday, June 8 we shake, rattle, and roll as we talk about movement in young children on my radio show, The Parent's Plate. Do you know the difference between small and gross motor skills and how to help children develop in these areas?

As I discuss what's normal in early childhood motor development I welcome your comments and questions at our toll free studio line 877-864-4869.

Along with movement, I'll chat with the authors of the brand new Wiggly Bible Rhymes & Rhythms book, Karen Whiting and Mary Rose Pearson. You gotta see their cute, practical, fun book to believe it. There are songs, fingerplays, and many activities to get your tots shaking, rattling, and rolling. It's a great resource for teachers, too.

Be sure to tune in Tuesday at 10 am (EST) or if you miss the live airing of this episode of The Parent's Plate, come back here and click on the podcast at www.toginet.com/shows/theparentsplate.

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