The idea for this post was inspired by a proactive colleague. He messaged the entire school that he would be sending his own family (composed of his wife and three sons) snippets from a gratitude-centric book he was reading.
He asked us if we would like to be included in his broadcast list so that we received the same messages that were to be sent out to his family. He resolved to send his daily message for a month. Kinda like The Daily Stoic, if you think about it. Giving his brood some direction in life.
As the patriarch of your family, are there things you intentionally do to shape your family culture? So that when people see your children, they will immediately recognise the mark you have left on them?
A couple of things I have learned from almost a quarter century of parenting. Of course this is just my opinion:
Indeed, I already find it amazing at how my children are their own people.
That feels higher level than what we're trying to do, which is more like trying to tame a wild beast.
Admittedly, my colleagues’ sons are teenagers.
I feel you. đź«‚
This
Also, convey to your kids all the messages that you want to convey by age 12 or so. Kids listen a lot less after that age.
There is this book by Adele Faber: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk. I should go and read it
Great question. I believe any form of reflection in the evening, before bed, about the day and what we are thankful for is a valuable practice. Whether it's praying by your bedside or simply talking about gratitude for family and health after bedtime stories, it can be very beneficial.
You have got a good practice going.
You just have to be there for your kids. Or else they wont remember spending any time with you.
That sounds great. I heard a podcast in which the guest shared about how he uses a points system to get his kids to create value by completing tasks (other than their assigned chores). This sounds to me like too much work.
we practice it one day at a time.
try and learn something each day with the kids or practice something we have already learned