The boys started school this week and life looks a little different. During the days it is just Shauna and Lily while the two boys are making their mark on a new elementary school. I recently had a friend make a comment on the behavior of our kids. Make no mistake, our kids have the ability to wreak havoc but for the most part I am extremely proud of my kids (as any parent would be). But, he asked me what guiding principles I use to parent. I thought about it for a minute and gave him a few thoughts:
1. Make sure your kids know they are loved. I tell them I love them at least once every day. When that is settled in their mind they are free to worry about other things. Like, how to clip lizards on their earlobes.
2. Limit the amount of t.v. and monitor what they watch. The world is filled with a lot of junk that I am sure they will face soon enough. My role as a parent is to guard them, not only physically but emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
3. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Yes Maam, No Maam, Yes Sir and No Sir. These are non-negotiables.
4. Challenge their comfort levels and stretch them to achieve certain goals. This builds a healthy self esteem. I think there are three major transitions in a boys life: little boy to adolescence (6-8), adolescence to teens (13-14), and teens to manhood (18). Swamp Camping in Louisiana. By the age of 5 both boys were skiing blue trails in Colorado. They've kayaked, hiked trails, camped in the Adirondak Mountains, chased geese around the Reflection Pool in Washington D.C. and touched rhinos.
5. Make them brush their teeth.
6. Responsibilities. Each kid is responsible for a set of duties where they are contributing to the ole homestead. Certain things are part of their contribution to the home (keep room clean, etc.) others are rewarded with money.
7. Stewardship. With their 'allowance' of $5 they give away $1, spend $2 and save $2.
8. Make sure they are in an environment where they can grow spiritually - church, night time prayers, we took them under a bridge in New Orleans known as "tent city" and let them pass out food and coats to the homeless.
9. They know that I think their mom is the hottest chica in the world.
10. Friday morning breakfasts. Every Friday I take the boys to breakfast and we just hang out and talk about stuff while eating Hotcakes and Sausage.
10. Did I mention that they know they are loved?
3 comments:
Love the new porch!!! Ya'll always have the best ideas!!!! dang...why didn't I think of that....
Oh my gosh....I didn't have to get a call to tell me to go to the blog...I've been anxiously waiting a new one and I'm so pleased with it...John..your writing about your beautiful family brings tears to my eyes and fills my heart with pride and joy. Such wise counsel. Thank you....We love you....Nenaw and Papaw Dale....
Your porch looks like something out of a fancy magazine....Waaaayy Cool !!!
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