Parenting Tip #9

Treat their requests of YOU, as seriously as you want THEM to treat YOUR respects of THEM.

If your daughter asks you for a jet that turns into a sword, its important to her.  Not only that you listen to the actual request, but, most importantly, the reasons behind it.

Sure, it might be a tall order

(then again, maybe not... man kids have such cool stuff these days...  but I digress)
but if it exists or not isn't the point.  If its within your price range or not isn't the point.  The point is her request of you is important to her, and its up to you to ensure that she feels that you understand and appreciate that.

If you get her the pony that is also a spider (no luck on that amazon search) or not is dependent on a myriad of things, and isn't the point.  The point is that you respect the request.

Later on, you may ask her to look both ways before she crosses the street.  If she's had a role model who has always listened to requests and made educated, informed decisions on weather or not to indulge those requests (and answered with honesty) she's more likely to do the same.

"No Daddy, if I look both ways before crossing the street, hair will get in my eyes"

Well, I'm certainly glad you articulated your reasons as to why you don't want to look both ways before crossing the street BEFORE YOU CROSSED THE STREET!  Now let me explain why hair in the eyes is dwarfed by the dangers of cars with the visual aid of this sword that turns into a jet...

Parenting Tip #8

Abundant Love & Laughter = Positive Atmosphere

There are so many questions as a parent.  When do we discipline, and when do we let things go?

When do we smile & shake our heads, and when do we sternly reprimand?

One thing that many of the successful Moms have in common, is their belief in abundant love, and the ability to laugh - both at situations, and at oneself.  To take a few seconds before lashing out in a moment of anger, and always asking the question of themselves "how can I make them better?"

Parenting is serious business, but, that doesn't mean we have to go about it with a stern & serious demeanor.  If we can be creative with our lessons and have them come from a place of love, and hopefully with a few laughs, the lessons will be more well received   Also, if the "angry eyes" are something of a rarity, then they'll be more impactful when (unfortunately) they are needed.

One thing we must always be aware of is that we're in this for the long haul.  While a sharp tongue might get the job done in the early years, what sort of long term relationship will excessive use of that pointy tongue  forge with our child for the later years?  What behaviors will they pick up and emulate from such tactics?  On the flipside, if we let our children "get away with murder", then that too can create the sorts of results we'd rather avoid.

If our children see us take most things with a smile on our face and a humorous and optimistic attitude, what sorts of behaviors will they adopt from such a demeanor?  If we always assume that the behaviors may need adjustment but that the people are good, what sort of person will they grow into to meet that expectation?

This is not to say that we should be dishonest in our emotions, but rather, we should adjust the source of said emotions so that no matter what the desired outcome, or (initial) cause, the source of our lessons is abundant love (and laughter!)