Parenting Issues

The hardest job I have ever had is that of parent. I don’t want my children to learn from my mistakes, and I don’t want them to make the same mistakes that I do. But I do realize that they are watching me at all times. They are learning about how to treat people, how to be in relationships, about work ethics and a host of other life approaches just by watching what I am doing every day. Now I realize that it’s not all about me and my children are also learning from others, but as their mom I know that how I act is very important in their development.

“Compliment her at least ten times a day and reinforce the behavior you want. Keep it up for 21 days and you will see a change in behavior.” This was advice that an expert in child development recently gave to me about my teenage daughter. I get frustrated that she isn’t more “responsible” about cleaning her room, doing her homework and remembering to feed the dogs. This expert told me that recent research has shown that as parents we tend to criticize and point out what our children are doing that we don’t want them to do – i.e.

I’ve been asked to speak quite a bit lately about the bullying legislation that is working its way throughout our national government, and through towns and cities across America. We received an email from our town Superintendent making us aware that the response to legislation was in place – in the form of a bully document – for parents to review and comment on.

 I generally regard the world – and my life in particular – as a place to watch, wonder and learn. I guess that’s why the Universe continues to send me so many lessons aboutdealing with difficult people!