Parenting memes

Remembering to Adore Our Children, No Matter Their Age
Then, they looked up, to you – you were so wise
Now, they look down - and question your wisdom
Then, vegetables were the enemy
Now, vegetables are the hero of their own curries
Then, they publicly folded their hands into yours, ‘My Mum!’
Now, they keep a discrete distance, ‘We’re not related!’
Then, they bounced into your room at 5.30am, ready to eat life
Now, they come home at 5.30am, having tasted life

‘When I grow up, I will need to make decisions for myself, and to do this I will need to trust myself, to ‘give it a go’, or to ask for help. I must prepare myself for the possibility that I might make mistakes, and to know that I can learn from them. This will help me develop resilience and self-worth. When my parents show trust in me, I experience care and regard in a relationship of respect.

This is one reason why I think using peaceful, no-lose conflict resolution skills with our children is important (and avoiding rewards and punishment). Read more: Teaching Children Skills To Peacefully Resolve Conflict

I hope to see my children change their behaviour because they are considering others (and themselves), rather than simply complying.