Besides the obvious displeasure that I find in badly behaved children, one of the things that worries the most about having kids is raising them right.
In recent weeks, my blog has taken a religious turn, so it comes to no one’s surprise that I’ve prayed in an attempt to find wisdom as I will one day become a parent. But let’s discuss the physical steps to raising a good child. I’m a sucker for self-help so maybe I’ll dabble into writing some too (as much as a childless seventeen-year-old can):
Encourage.
I’ve found obvious evidence that intrinsic motivation and encouragement outweigh punishment. Instill confidence and high self-esteem in your kids yourself. I can guarantee that in my case, any athletic ability I hold is not innate. It comes from my dad ridiculously complimenting my lousy baseball throwing skills at a young age. After believing that I was good at throwing, I started trying harder and getting better. It’s all mental.
Have trust.
In Purple Hibiscus, Papa makes outrageous schedules for his two children. And as a
type-A person, this type of daily requirement has undoubtedly crossed my mind as I
brainstormed how to produce a high-achieving child. Well, while unenjoyable, discipline is necessary, but past a certain point, strict enforcement has an opposite effect. It’s the Hobbes vs. Locke debate all over again: Am I a child who is incapable or a child who has potential?
*source: my parents’ successes (assuming that I’m a fairly decent child) and failures
But perhaps all of this thought is unnecessary and will simply push me toward the implications of the overachievement of being a good parent. Maybe I should just go with the flow and chill. You know, just play the game.
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