It is taking some time. It is easy with some things - they quickly get put into the rubbish - 5 bags so far have gone out for the garbage truck to take away, and 6 boxes have gone to the hospice shop, nearly 30 books have sold on Trade me to some luck people.
But there are tons of things to now be read and considered - 'would any of our kids want this?'.... 'would any person I know find this helpful, as I once did?'
I decided that before I once again filed such gems away I would put a few up and send them on to you.
During this clean-out it has occurred to me that as I have read, if I am excited and reminded of the worth of something which I stored away years ago, then it must be treasure. Even though it has been hidden away it has retained its great value, as treasure always does.
Today's quotes are from a hand written sheet with 20 points for parents, here's a few ~
2) INCLUDE YOUR CHILDREN IN FAMILY ACTIVITIES.
Doing things together as a family - the house jobs, shopping, preparing for visitors... so they learn how to work, communicate, what responsibility is... not individually but together as a family.
3) MODEL BY EXAMPLE.
This is hard but a necessity for every parent.
6) GIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR WHEN THEY ARE TEMPTED.
Every kid is tempted. They need parents to talk and give them realistic alternatives to help them to not choose to go down the stupid route.
7) IF YOU HAVE RULES AT YOUR HOUSE, GIVE YOUR KIDS REASONS FOR THEM.
We are not a Rules orientated family, but if you are, your kids need to understand your reasons behind each.
8) PROVIDE A NOURISHING ENVIRONMENT.
Lots to think about with this one.
10) DISCIPLINE FOR STUPIDITY AND REBELLION.
This way there is a real reason and purpose for discipline, in what ever form you discipline at your house.
11) NO FAVOURITISM.
TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!!!!!
13) TO HIM/HER WHO WHINES, NOTHING IS GIVEN.
This is essential, otherwise you are simply developing painfully, selfish, pathetic, human adults.
15) OBEY THE RULES YOU HAVE SET UP, YOURSELF.
Fair.
16) DON'T TRY TO BUY YOUR CHILDREN'S APPROVAL.
17) STAY IN CONTROL OF YOURSELF 'WITH ALL DIGNITY'
Essential for all parents. You are the one leading the way, so do it with dignity, otherwise who WOULD want to follow you?
19) DON'T ALLOW ANY SASSING.
20) AUTHORITY GOES WITH RESPONSIBILITY. SELF-SUPPORTING ADULT CHILDREN NEED NOT OBEY THEIR PARENTS, ONLY HONOUR THEM.
To me this is the proof that your parenting has been successful, that once your kids are late teens and older, that they respect and honour YOU.
THISWEEKWITHTHEKIDS ~ As always, there is loads to think about. Choose just one point that rings true for YOU and spend time thinking how you can work on it. Ask your partner for their ideas, then both work together on it in your family.
Cathy
