Friday, December 6, 2013

Parenting

The purpose of parenting is to "protect and prepare children so that they can survive and thrive in the world they have to live in."  Parents are a child's most needed teacher.  Through their guidance, love, and selflessness they teach their children important values and life lessons that will be relied upon for the remainder of their lives.

In class we discussed an effective parenting method to use when conflict or a problem arises with a child or teen.  The first step is for the parent to make a polite request.  When the child feels they are respected and loved they will be more likely to comply with the parents desires.  If this approach doesn't work the next step is to use "I" statements.  The statement "I have a problem with the mess in the living room" is much less offensive than "You are always making a mess in the living room."  By using "I" statements the child will not feel a need to defend themselves and as a result they will be more willing to fix the problem.  If these first two approaches don't work a firmer statement may need to be made.  When making a firm statement it is important to keep calm and be respectful while still making the point come across.

1 comment:

  1. I liked that you discussed that parents are first and foremost teachers. Teachers provide children with a sense of great comfort as they have the potential to instill great confidence. President Faust has said, "While few human challenges are greater than that of being good parents, few opportunities offer greater potential for joy." What are your feelings concerning this quote? What parenting style do you think is most effective? You discussed the importance of using 'I' statements. How can we practice using 'I' statements with others in preparation for parenting?

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