Parenting Tips by Jean Tracy, MSS, for grades K-6:
When your parents were upset with you, do you remember the tone of their voices? Do you remember the looks on their faces? Were your parent's words tough to hear but not "too tough?"
Today's Agenda for Building Character in Kids:
- In our last post we discussed parenting advice from Frederick Douglass.
- We also discussed the "too tough" style of parenting.
- In this post, we'll look at a quote from Ron Wild.
- We'll also examine how to be tough but not "too tough."
For most of us it's easier to be "too tough" when we're upset with our kids. We just want peace and quiet. We found out from our last post that we get much more than peace and quiet. We get child resentment, anger, and discouragement too. How can we be tough with our kids but not "too tough"?" Here's a quote from Ron Wild that should shed some light:
"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child."
Wisdom tells us that being "too tough" with our kids can encourage the Hitlers and Stalins of the world, people with bad attitudes, and people stunted by fear. To avoid being "too tough," consider Ron Wild's parenting advice. When disciplining, take the time to hear your tone, see your face, and listen to your words. That's the world your child sees.
Parenting Tips – How to Be Tough but Not "Too Tough:"
Children, like grown-ups, want love. Being "too tough" can rob them of feeling loved. Being tough but not "too tough means teaching your child self-discipline, responsibility, and kindness toward others. Your consistent toughness will show them your love and how much you care.
Parenting Advice – 3 Tough Messages to Give Your Kids:
- First this then that – First complete this, then you can do that.
- Work before you play.
- Treat others the way you want to be treated.
These 3 messages give kids the self-discipline and satisfaction from accomplishing their chores and goals. They teach kids to build character on the shoulders responsibility. They provide kids with a sense of order. They help kids feel the empathy for others they want for themselves. Being a tough parent but not "too tough" builds the foundation for a productive and satisfying life.
Why not take Ron Wild's advice and look through the eyes of your children? Help them feel good about what they do. Help them enjoy a life worth living. Being consistently tough with your kids but not "too tough" isn't so hard. When confronted with a parenting situation just ask, "How can I be tough but not "too tough?" You'll be sending great messages to your kids.
Do your children experience self-discipline, satisfaction, responsibility, and show kindness toward others? If so, we want your advice. If not, we'd appreciate your thoughts and concerns.
In our next post, we'll offer more ideas on being tough but not "too tough" with your kids.
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