|
|
|
A New Women's Movement
Recently I've come to realize a need for a new kind of women's
movement - one that doesn't have us in denial about who we are
but accepts it with pride and appreciation. Common topics among
today's professional women are being treated equally in...
Laid Off? Now What Do You Do?
---------------------------------------------------------- Permission is granted for the below article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website, offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are...
Parents Need a Back-to-School Checklist for Educational Technology
(ARA) - New clothes that strike a balance between appropriate and cool? Check. New school supplies that include the latest backpack style? Check. New ulcer caused by your teen’s impending first day of high school? Check mate. You may not be ready...
The Joy of Learning
“ Part of what motivates me to write this book is a concern that we’ve lost touch in education with the sheer joy of what it means to learn something new.”
Thomas Armstrong, Author, Awakening Genius in the Classroom
I think I was around 6...
Why Moms Should Start a Home Based Business Today
Most Moms think about starting a home based business at one time or another. Maybe the youngest has started school, and Mom suddenly has a lot of free time. Or perhaps Mom was successful in her career before having her first child, and wished...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saying "Yes" (so they won't know it's no) ~ guiding behavior for peaceful parenting ~
After this afternoon's fiasco, I've developed a new parenting philosophy: never deny your child anything.
"Yes, darling, of course you can take drugs (after you kill me and do away with my body)."
"Sure, dear - do start smoking! As soon as you've eaten these three packs of menthol cigarettes..."
"Of course you can have a chocolate bar, baby. When you're finished that broccoli, we'll walk over to the store and buy one."
"You sure can go outside honey! Once we're done picking up your toys, we'll play on the swings together."
Keep direct negative replies at bay unless it's imperative such as in a potentially dangerous situation. A curbside "Mommy, can I cross the street by myself?" needs to be dealt with instantly and distinctly. Discussion and education can take place later.
Of course, you've got to be right on the ball otherwise it's quite possible that you may inadvertently agree to bungee-jumping directly the vacuuming is done. If you've erred, the back-up here to is belly laugh loudly (holding your sides for
further effect), wipe your eyes and say: "My, my! I'm just being so silly today!"
If you're in a non-critical circumstance but still need to say "no" (such as the invariable plea to stay up a little longer), try going sideways: "On the weekend, you can stay up till 10:00, but only if you go to sleep right now".
By using "no" less often, it will be taken more seriously by the kids when you do say it. In the same way, your qualified yes gives the child what she wants ("yes, you can paint") as well as what you want ("as soon as we put away these puzzle pieces"). Tasks assigned with your proviso should be done together as much as possible, to keep your positive-negative positive, non?
About the Author
Stephanie Olsen, published writer, homeschooling mother of two and ESL teacher currently residing in Europe, is also owner of the expatriate site, Family Life Abroad http://www.familylifeabroad.com where you'll find humorous and informative articles by experienced expatriates on all aspects of living abroad, with lots of links and travel tips.
|
|
|
|
|
|