Thoughts and Reflections on Parenting

Written by Elaine M. Gibson

• How NOT to Over React -- Sometimes

  Children do not pick the best times to make mistakes. We do not always react the way we intended. Most parents have a nasty habit of over-reacting. Fortunately, we can do something about it.

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• A Declaration of Independence

  When parents teach a child to be independent and self-reliant, they gain the child's appreciation, respect, and love. When parents try to do everything for a child in hopes of gaining the child's love and gratitude, they produce a dependent child filled with resentment, anger, and hostility.

• Personal Experiences in Independence Training

  The relationship we want with our children is possible when we teach them to be independent of us. When we give them wings, they can soar.

• Say NO as Little as Possible

  But wait a minute, aren't parents supposed to be ones saying "no"? There are times when "no" is the only possible reply, but the word is easy to overuse. There are many bad reasons for saying no.