Preview: Taking Responsibility
If kids are going to grow emotional resilience, they need to discover that when things go wrong, and/or they make mistakes the world does not come to an end, their universe will not disintegrate, and that they can still rebound and continue to move forward. They will not know optimism otherwise.
One of the ways we help kids grow emotional strength is by giving them an opportunity to make little choices, and then stepping back and allowing them to take responsibility for those choices. If they do not pick up their clothes, are they willing to have wrinkled and dirty clothes that don’t get washed. If they do not want to put on a jacket in the cold, are they willing to shiver. If they blow all their allowance on one small thing, are they willing to give up saving for something bigger and way cooler. If we can give them the opportunity or freedom to make those non-threatening choices in their daily lives, they will learn who they are and what they really want to do. This is not a new concept-the idea of natural consequences. But many of us do not want to engage in it. When our teenagers embark on their journey through adolescence with all the trials and tribulations that accompany it, they will need grounding, as well as much support. That grounding comes with realizing that we are NOT going to cover for them, we are NOT going to make excuses for their bad behavior, we are NOT going to protect them from natural consequences. Our support means we believe in them and their ability to make mistakes, take responsibility, and make amends We are there to offer love, wisdom, and unequivocal faith, NOT a witness protection program! Book-On-Line at
www.momopinionmatters.com
Author
