A sense of time is a sophisticated skill. It develops slowly because it is so abstract. The passing of time cannot be seen or felt. In fact, if we are really enjoying something, time seems to go by very quickly. If we are bored or sad, on the other hand, it seems to drag indefinitely. Is it any wonder that our children have a hard time learning about time?
A sense of time is a sophisticated skill. It develops slowly because it is so abstract. The passing of time cannot be seen or felt. In fact, if we are really enjoying something, time seems to go by very quickly. If we are bored or sad, on the other hand, it seems to drag indefinitely. Is it any wonder that our children have a hard time learning about time?
Our children will learn that love is not earned, love is freely given.
Our children will learn the value of personal honesty instead of hypocrisy.
Our children will learn that they are important to us, not a nuisance that we endure.
Our children will learn that listening to one another is one of the most loving things we can do for each other.
Our children will learn, through our example, the value of a genuine faith.
Our children will learn that discipline is an expression of love.
Our children will learn that respect for authority is the key to a successful life.
Our children will develop a strong conscience.
They will learn to withstand and overcome the negative pressures around them.
Tension rises! We’re late! Kids dawdle! The phone rings! I stub my toe! We’re late! Move it!
Your darling child wants to tell you a long story. The sink gets stopped up and runs over. You suddenly realize you haven’t had time to . . .
How can you stop the volcano from erupting?
Take a deep breath and think. What is the worst case scenario if we are late? Will it really matter in 6 months? Will they have permanent scars for not being on time? No. No. No.
There may be some minor consequence. But is that worth being so upset? Could my shouting and irritability actually be doing more harm than our being late?
Defusing the Eruption
Slow down and deal with the obstacles one at a time?
Dial down the tension. Everyone is likely to have a better start to the day if the tension is less and a few more smiles and hugs are shared.
If you find you are always late getting out the door, you should look at how to better prepare ahead of time. Realize it takes kids longer than it does you to do most tasks.
What do you do to dial down the stress of getting out the door? Comment here or on the Facebook post.
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Harvard University psychologists studied what parents did who raised good kids. The conclusions they came to are mostly common sense, but often we need reminding. I will be using this study as the basis for Parent Tips from time to time.
Raising Good Kids Tip #1- Spend Quality Time with Your Children
When both parents work outside the home and children spend many of their waking hours with other adults, parents must make a conscious effort to spend quality time, regularly with their children. Just being with them, but not giving them your full attention does NOT count as quality time.
It takes work to develop caring, loving relationships with your kids. When they feel loved, they become attached to you. That attachment makes them more receptive to learning the values that are important to you.
Exercise: Try using the following questions as conversation starters.