Intentional Parenting

One of the most basic things you need to know about me as an educator and parent is that I believe everything we do with our children now, from the day they are born, is teaching them how to live in the world.  I feel that that is our most important job.  If you look at it from that perspective I think it will change how you parent.  I call it intentional parenting.  And it's really not that hard.  It can seem daunting but after a while it becomes second nature.

It involves two parts.  The first is: Treat your child with respect.  You can not expect your child to be respectful if you do not model it to them.  They are a tiny person who deserves respect.  The second part is: "Start as you mean to go on" (From my favorite book, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer)

So with those in mind, think about the traits that you would want in your grown children.  What sort of behaviors are acceptable for adults?  Here are just a few of the basics:

• Patience
• Empathy
• Confidence
• Self Regulation
• Problem Solving  
• Team work and
• Rational thinking

Now think about how you can foster these things in young children.  First and foremost, the first step to teaching each one of these things is to model it.  You have to practice these traits yourself so your kids can see them in action.  Do not try to tell your kids the old "Do as I say, not as I do..." It won't work!

I'll break some of these down each in their own posts soon!