Lao Tzu said “He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.” Teaching kids self control is probably one of the most valuable character traits a person can learn. Self control is what keeps kids from participating in risky or dangerous behavior, it promotes confidence and instills a sense of security with the knowing that they are in control. Kids can learn self control through sports, karate or similar disciplines and by teaching them to wait or earn things. A common cultural norm these days is to give children everything. It may feel good to give lots of things to your children however it prevents them from learning to appreciate anticipation and the value of earning. When my kids were young, we had a “puffy jar.” The puffy jar was a large vase and when the kids did something extra special they would get a puffy (cotton ball) to add to the jar. When the jar was full, we would do something special like go to the movies or go buy a new toy or something fun. The puffy jar taught them that they could earn things, they learned how much fun it was to anticipate, and they learned self control because they knew the only way to get the treat was to fill the puffy jar rather than begging, nagging or tantrums.
There are many different ways to instill self control but by far the most effective way is to model it. Kids won’t always listen but they will always watch what you do and imitate it. So today, think about how you can give your kids the gift of self control, model good habits, and Live Inspired Now.
COME BACK TOMORROW FOR THE NEXT CHARACTER TRAIT AND REGISTER FOR THE “STRENGTHENING THE FAMILY” TELECONFERENCE!
Heather Paris inspires people all over the world to create happier lives through talks, workshops, blog posts, and her book, Live Inspired Now; A Field Guide For Happiness. For more information about transforming your relationship, family, or your life, contact Heather today!
Heather Paris inspires people all over the world to create happier lives through talks, workshops, blog posts, and her book, Live Inspired Now; A Field Guide For Happiness. For more information about transforming your relationship, family, or your life, contact Heather today!
Today I will be talking about “grit” which means finishing what one starts despite obstacles or challenges. This is something we could all work on, not just kids. Many people will quit something that becomes too challenging or only look for jobs/work that will be easy for them in order to ensure their success. Encourage kids to try new things and allow them to figure out solutions to problems. The “hover parent” has a hard time raising independent and resilient kids because they are constantly hovering and fixing the child’s mistakes. Allow kids to mess things up so they can figure out how to fix things themselves. Trouble shooting is a highly desirable skill but if they are always rescued from their mistakes, they never learn how to problem solve. Since they wont be equipt to handle problems, they could come to really dislike challenges, and thus becoming under-achievers.
Instill grit by allowing kids to do things on their own and without fixing their mistakes. You can let them know you are there if they need something but tell them “I know you can handle it!” Encourage them to show you what they have accomplished and praise their efforts. Let them know that failures are actually great rewards because they teach them valuable lessons and strengthen their skills.
So today, teach your kids about grit, allow them to do things and fix their own mistakes and Live Inspired Now!
COME BACK TOMORROW FOR THE NEXT CHARACTER TRAIT AND REGISTER FOR THE “STRENGTHENING THE FAMILY” TELECONFERENCE!
Heather Paris inspires people all over the world to create happier lives through talks, workshops, blog posts, and her book, Live Inspired Now; A Field Guide For Happiness. For more information about transforming your relationship, family, or your life, contact Heather today!
Education is important but it’s not the ONLY thing that is important. What if you have a child that doesn’t excel in school, does he feel like the “stupid” fish? Do you build up his strengths which enables confidence? Do you allow him to make mistakes without over-criticizing, which promotes curiosity? Children need to learn character traits even more than they need a traditional education. Studies have proven that children who have strong character traits are far more successful than those who are strong academically.
There are the 7 character traits a child needs to succeed: Grit, Curiosity, Self-control, Social intelligence, Zest, Optimism, and Gratitude. I will be going over one of these each day for the next week until March 28th when I co-teach the “Strengthening your Family” teleconference. Please register today… the teleconference will enhance your parenting and strengthen your family immediately.
All kids are smart and there is more than one way to measure their success! Please register for the upcoming workshop, learn how to raise amazing kids and Live Inspired Now!
PS: Be sure to bookmark this page and come back tomorrow for a post on the first character trait!
Heather Paris inspires people all over the world to create happier lives through talks, workshops, blog posts, and her book, Live Inspired Now; A Field Guide For Happiness. For more information about transforming your relationship, family, or your life, contact Heather today!
Choose your words carefully and then live by them. Love is a beautiful gift, not a tool to get what you want. Don’t offer love in order to get something in return and think about who you are giving your heart to. Be sure the person you offer your heart to is someone who will honor the commitment. Every person on earth is worthy and deserving of love BUT not every person is ready for the responsibility of commitment. Make sure the person you give your heart to, or who offers you their heart is on the same page as you. The promise of love that lasts is made with honor and integrity. So today, honor your promise to love or if you can’t, be more careful about the next promise you make and Live Inspired Now!
Heather Paris inspires people all over the world to create happier lives through talks, workshops, blog posts, and her book, Live Inspired Now; A Field Guide For Happiness. For more information about transforming your relationship, family, or your life, contact Heather today!
