Memo to Mum and Dad - Part 1

1. Don't spoil me. I know quite well that I ought not to have all that I ask for. I am only testing you.

2. Don't be afriad to be firm with me. I prefer it. it makes me feel more secure.

3. Don't let me form bad habits. I have to rely on you to direct them in the early stages.

4. Don't make me feel smaller than I am. it only makes me behave badly.

5. Don't correct me in front of other people if you can help it. I'll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private.

6. Don't protect me from consequences. I need to learn the painful way sometimes.

7. Don't try to preach to me. You'd be surprised how well I know what's right and wrong.

8. Don't nag. If you do, I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf.

Reflection

Take time to be holy,

be calm in thy soul,

each thought and each motive beneath his control.

Thus led by His spirit,

to fountains of love,

Thousands shalt be fitted for service above.

To smack or not to smack . . .

The parental right to smack (or not) has again been in the news in regard
to the mother of a nine year old girl using a wooden spoon on her.

Administering a small slap on the hand for a danger situation (such as a hot oven)
or a calm, private chastisement for an act of deliberate disobedience in a 2 - 5 yr old
is very different to an angry slap across the face or an out of control beating in frustration.

Effective consequences for 5+ yr olds include loss of freedoms and privileges,
and logical tangible restitution. Physical punishment for this age group is ineffective
and inappropriate.

Positive and proactive parenting is more pleasant for the child and for the parent,
and is very effective too. Our precious children need our gentle authority.

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids on the merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading light?

You better slow down, Don't dance so fast.

Time is short. The music wont last.

D you run through each day on the fly?

When you ask 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done do you lay in bed

With the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.

Time is short. The music wont last.

Ever told your child we'll do it all tomorrow?

And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time to call and say hi.

You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.

Time is short. The music wont last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and you hurry through your day

It is like an unopened gift . . . throw away.

Life is not a race. do take it slower

Hear the music before the song is over.

True Wisdom

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding.
For its profits is better than the profit of silver,
And its gain than fine gold.

She (wisdom) is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honour.

Her ways are pleasant ways,
And all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who hold her,
And happy are all who hold her fast.

Proverbs 3:13-18

We give our precious little ones so much -
stuff, experiences, memories, traditions, hobbies -
yet the greatest thing we can give them is true wisdom.
Teaching, modelling, encouraging each and every new day.