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"When the tide rises, so does the boat." Old Japanese saying
Whoever said that when the tide rises, so does the boat, must have been a parent. There are few things we do that shake us, scrape us, and make us, like parenting. There is nothing that can prepare us for the laughs, tears, loneliness, helplessness, or just down right confusion and frustration that accompanies parenting.
So, how do we instill the value of self-discipline in our young ones? How do we allow them to see how valuable the art of self-discipline can be to their future? The only way that they will see it is if they see it in us. For me, that was a scary thought. Knowing that if my child saw me start something and then finish it, then he or she would mimic or copy that trait in their own lives. As a wise parent, you already know that what you do speaks louder than what you say. Here are a few tips to help guide your child into self-discipline.
1. Work on a project together. Find something as simple as a puzzle that will take longer than one hour to finish. Agree to meet and work on the puzzle or project for just a few minutes each day (it can be as little as ten minutes) until the project is completed.
2. Use their school work as a guide. Each child at Eno Valley must read each night. Use a chapter book as an example. Each night, challenge your child to read a chapter and then tell you about the chapter. Develop three questions (they can be the same three questions each night) and have them answer. For example: What did the main character do to make you stop and think? Would you have made the same decision that they made? What would you have done differently and why?
3. Have your child do a dream collage. Ask them what they want to do while in their present grade then have them find pictures of that activity. You can also use what they want to do when they grow up. As they complete activities that go along with the pictures, give them a trip to the dollar store for a prize.
There are so many ways that you as a wise parent can help your precious child develop the character trait of self-discipline. Remember, no one can speak to your child like you. No one can encourage your child like you. And you have the power to empower your child to soar like an Eno Valley Eagle!
********************************************************** ©2008- Dr. Gail M. Hayes Dr. Gail Hayes is an international speaker and author. She is also a character value consultant and the creator of the Don’t Give Your Power Away Program.
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