I believe that knowledge is power. I try to arm my children with knowledge and allow them to control their own lives (supervised of course) and make their own choices so they grow up feeling in control and empowered and independent.
I try not to make rules. I try to explain the choices available and then explain MY choice. This is what I would choose, and this is why. Lead by example, right? They do as you do, not as you say.
I love when you are rewarded with a moment in which you can clearly see that you are making a difference in what they think. You are being heard even though it feels like they aren’t listening most of the time.
We’ve all heard the saying, “If I knew then what I know now…..” That’s what this is. An opportunity for them to live THEIR “then” with the knowledge of MY now. But it’s not my job to make them do anything.
It’s my job to practice what I preach in every aspect of my life and show them the way. Not dictate the way, and then enforce it.
So here’s my conversation with Michael… my 10 (11 next month) year old. As a side note, he asked me what irony was a few months ago. I tried to explain, but he said he didn’t quite get it. Guess he’s past that now…
Son: Mom, why would someone call their pizza “Tombstone?”
Mom: *Contemplates a moment* I don’t know why. Kind of a dumb name, huh?
Son: I wonder if it’s meant to be ironic.
Mom: Ironic? How?
Son: Because it’s processed fake food and a tombstone is what you’ll need from eating it.
Mom: *Stares blankly* (blink blink)
