It is also never too late to make, revisit or renew resolutions when it comes to parenting. I read this article in Independent School magazine and thought I would paraphrase and share some of it with you.It was written byMadeline Levine a practicing psychologist, author, and co-founder of Challenge Success a project of the Stanford graduate School of Education. I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Levine at a Common Ground Speaks presentation some years back.
Dr. Levine offers Ten Resolutions for Becoming a More Grateful Parent. I was struck by the similarities in her words and what is near and dear to our own philosophy of developing self-reliant young people:-
1. I will not do for my child what he can do for himself.
· This inhibits motivation and the ability to innovate
2. I will not do for my child what she can almost do for herself.
· At one time your child could almost walk, now she can walk.
3. I will love the child in front of me
· Appreciate and be thankful for your child’s unique gifts.
4. I will not push my child to be perfect
· Life is full of mistakes, imperfect days, and human failings. Children need to be able to feel happiness and gratitude in the face of imperfection. This builds resilience.
5. I will make sure my child gets a full night’s sleep
· Children need between 9 and 11 hours a night, sleep deprivations impairs concentration and compromises the ability to learn
6. I will not confuse my needs with my child’s needs.
· Over parenting is not healthy for parent or child
7. I will remember that I am a parent, not a CEO.
· Don’t’ catastrophize about grades/results, you will reap the benefits
8. I will value my own (adult) life
· Being a happy fulfilled parent is one of the best gifts you can give your child
9. I will honor the importance of Playtime, Downtime, and Family Time
· Don’t overschedule, children need down time, or “hang time” as we like to say.
1. I will remember the success trajectory is a squiggle ≈ not a straight line
· We know our own paths took twists and turns, life does not always go as planned.
Submitted by Colette B. Cross
