Well, anyone who grew up with parents knows that parents aren’t always right.
They often give us their advice on situations when not asked, and expect us to follow it, without ever thinking about it. But, following our own path is the whole point in life. You learn from others experiences and then you decide what you think is best for you and go for it. Sometimes it leads you somewhere, but more often than not, you end up failing at what you started. But, it’s important for everyone to try and attain their goals, not their parents or grandparents goals. But, their very own.
Often times when parents discipline their children, they forget to mention WHY something is a certain way. Such as, “NO, I said you can’t do that.” When prodded further, their responses are, “Because I said so.”
Well, sorry to burst your bubble here folks, but that just doesn’t cut it. It just causes animosity and hatred between the children and parents . But, a decent explanation that’s short and sweet should suffice all curiousity and keep the child from doing the very thing you wish them not to do.
Parents often forget what it was like when they were children, and how they felt when they were being told to do things, instead of asked to do things, or forced to do things instead of feeling they were being helpful to do things.
I know in my own experience, if my Mother told me to do something, I’d usually try to find a way out of it, but if she asked me to do it, and said it nicely, I would do it happily. No matter what it was. Usually she would request me to help her around the house. But, don’t forget, just because they are children doesn’t mean they don’t have pride in who they are at that very moment.
Even though they will evolve immensely over the years, the person they are now, the carefree spirit that is a child, will soon fade away as the troubles of life begin to saturate them, filling them up like little sponges, soon too full to be able to absorb anymore.
A fun activity is plan a day with your kids, and let them choose what they’d like to do. Once there, do everything that they want to do, and on the way back home (if you’re driving) take that opportunity to tell them how much they mean to you and then ask them how you are as a parent. Then put your feelings aside and really listen to what it is they are trying to tell you. Ask them what you can do to make their lives better. Let them know that they have a voice, and it needs to be heard, but when they are happy and joyful, it’s time to communicate and not bicker. It’s important for you to know how your child feels about you and what they think you need to change in order to be a better parent.
So, the next time you bark orders at your children, remember what advice you heard here. Talk to them, explain things to them, and ask them how you’re doing as a parent. Because you are their role model and their best teacher.Your kindness and generosity will mold them into the caring adults, that think things through before making hasty decisions, and ultimately they’ll become just the person they were meant to be.
