Parenting Thoughts

Adults are responsible for their own thoughts and feelings. Children should not be encouraged to think they are responsible for the feelings of parents and caregivers.

It is hard for children to be responsible for things that are good for others. It is easier for them to be responsible for things they know are good for them.

Example.

Child being responsible for an adult: “Eat your beans for Mommy.”  Lets child think he is hurting Mommy if he doesn’t eat his beans.

Child being responsible for self: “Eat your beans because they help you be healthy.” Tells child eating his beans is about what is good for him – being responsible for his own health.

Inspired by: SELF-ESTEEM: A FAMILY AFFAIR by Jean Illsley Clarke.