Two weeks ago, one of our teen writers shared his thoughts on freedom and responsibility. As an about-to-be fourteen year old, Jacob shared his perspective on the relationship between those two concepts. Last week, I shared my thoughts about how freedom and responsibility relate from the perspective of a parent.
This week, I wanted to delve more deeply into one of Jacob's suggestions: State the rule and consequence for the behavior before it happens. As I have noted, it is important for children of all ages to have a clear understanding of what is expected and what happens
Archive for March, 2010
Freedom and Responsibility- Continued
March 31st, 2010 by Michele | Adolescence, Behavior, Teens, Tweens
This week my lovely wife and I were called into the school to talk to Max's teacher. Max is a good nine year old boy who rarely (but not never) gets into trouble, so I wasn't too worried about what the conversation might entail. It turned out to be a very positive conversation about the potential for enrolling Max into the gifted program at his school.
It turns out that at some point in time I signed a permission slip allowing them to test him for the program. Although I don't remember it, I'm sure I did. Why wouldn't
It turns out that at some point in time I signed a permission slip allowing them to test him for the program. Although I don't remember it, I'm sure I did. Why wouldn't
My wife and I spent many hours researching each item purchased for my daughter. She is our first child, and we both want the best for her. When it came to bottles, we decided this is an important investment and wanted the best.
I am a review reader and thus read numerous reviews about the different bottle styles and manufacturers. The issue of colic came up time and time again with every bottle company. Each declared to be better than the rest. This makes it incredibly tough to decide when the companies all say the same thing in advertisements, and
I am a review reader and thus read numerous reviews about the different bottle styles and manufacturers. The issue of colic came up time and time again with every bottle company. Each declared to be better than the rest. This makes it incredibly tough to decide when the companies all say the same thing in advertisements, and
Freedom and Responsibility from the Parent’s Perspective
March 24th, 2010 by Michele | Adolescence, Behavior
Last week, one of our teen writers shared his perspective on the balance of freedom and responsibility. I believe Jacob expressed his thoughts well and gave some insightful advice from the 13 year old viewpoint. While I agree with his thinking, it seemed appropriate to share thoughts from the parent in that equation.
Try to establish communication.
Try to establish communication.
- I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. As the mom of children ranging in age from 9 to almost 14, I try to find one-on-one time with them on a weekly basis. Driving in the car is an especially good time for two reasons.
One of the most consistent comments I get about my children is that they are so polite. It is a wonderful compliment but also something of an indictment of what passes for manners among most children today. So, for what it's worth, here are the keys that I used in teaching my children to be polite.
1. Model politeness. Kids do what they see much more than they do what they're told. "Do what I say not what I do" is out. If you want your child to be polite, switch to "Please pass the potatoes" from "Give me
1. Model politeness. Kids do what they see much more than they do what they're told. "Do what I say not what I do" is out. If you want your child to be polite, switch to "Please pass the potatoes" from "Give me
