What a Character!

I noticed something in the newspaper the other day and was impressed enough with it that I actually cut it out. So, I thought it would be a good thing to share with all of you that read my blog, which I think is the grand total of three people. So friends, here is some good advice.

"Our culture largely chooses flash over substance. Kids today are encouraged to wear the 'right' shoes, carry the coolest lunch box and wear designer clothes before they are even old enough to walk. Character development is being overlooked. Here are 10 of the most important characteristics for your child to develop:
1. Values and morals
2. The ability to delay gratification
3. Understanding and expectation of the consequences of his actions
4. Empathy toward others
5. A strong work ethic
6. A willingness to face consequences
7. The ability to learn from failures
8. An ability to take responsibility for mistakes
9. A tolerance for negative feedback
10. The ability to tolerate frustration."
From "The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids" by Dr. Jenn Berman

Now I can refer my children back to my blog when they proclaim that I am being unfair, mean, ruining their life (yes, Sarah already says that), or just enjoying creating punishments for them. I will point out to them that I am doing these things to help them be happy and confident. Now, like all of you, my children are normally just shy of perfect in their behavior, but once in a while I do have to lay down the line.

I remember some advice my mom gave me when I had my first baby and he was starting to develop a little independence. She may not remember telling me this but I use it all the time in my parenting style. She said, "Always make sure your children are a little bit afraid of you." She also said not to threaten anything that I wasn't actually willing to do, and she gave us some great examples of that growing up! So fellow parents, please share any tips or advice that you have found useful! Here is a picture of me the way my kids see me...