The
Children Are Listening
I
recently was talking with a mother and her young daughter. The
mother in acceptance of what she saw as "facts" said
of her daughter, "She's not very bright and will never do
well but she's happy". The daughter, standing there beside
Mum, didn't flinch or object. She'd accepted her destiny ... for
the the rest of her life she will live out the image that's been
cast of her ... because Mum's words "She's not very bright"
are etched into the computer of her brain. She has been given
the benchmark to perform to.
Kids
have enough problems with self-image at school. As parents (or
friends of parents) we need to equip ourselves with positive,
uplifting words to raise children above the level that their peers
on the playground will so willingly try to drag them down to.
When your children are out of school, be prepared to move from
being policeman to a person who is there primarily to raise their
belief in themselves. As a by-product, you can continue building
their knowledge of the world they will inherit.
Even
with their studies, ask questions to spark their curiosity and
allow them to explore their world. With studies, become the "field
teacher", a mentor, keeping your eyes open for the science
and positive life lessons found in nature.
Kid's
love to explore and discover new things. While it is good to give
kids a break to play and relax, it is also necessary to maintain
their brains and keep them from becoming idle. As you show an
interest in their learning, they blossom. The number one thing
you can give your children is that they grow the self-esteem and
self-confidence that comes from feeling loved and supported.
See
in every child the perfection and uniqueness that is their's alone.
The little girl I mentioned at the start, contrary to Mum's description
is very, very bright. She may not be academically gifted but she
has an intelligence far beyond mine, I could see it in her eyes.
Will it ever be released? Probably not. Why? Because she'll go
through life living from her "not very bright" self-image.
She's been told who she is ... she hasn't discovered it for herself.
Give
kids free reign to discover their own inner genius. Visit the
racks of knowledge at your local library on a regular basis so
they can see that knowledge and learning is what makes us humans
different from other creatures ... that and our ability to choose
and create our lives. Her/his destiny is described in a book on
those shelves ... they just have to discover it.
Your
children come to you as a blank canvas. Don't be fooled that they
are the ones creating the problems or inadequacies you see. It
is the adult who paints the pictures on the canvas. The child
merely brings whats been painted to life.
As
with everything ... change your thinking, you can change your
life ... and your child's.
So
make a choice today. See all children as very bright. See them
as geniuses. They've already absorbed all your knowledge ... now
they are ready to evolve into someone greater than you. That's
how evolution works ... unless the brakes are holding them back
with negative self-belief.
Self-Reflection
Questions:
1.
What were you told as a kid that sticks with you today?
2.
What do you wish you were given as a child so your life would
be different?
3.
How can you raise the bar for a child and let them evolve to all
they can be?
It's time to grow your spiritual home with active work and
financial support. The New Thought
Centre is a non-profit organisation that depends on you.
Become involved - volunteer and/or practice the abundance
of circulation.
Financial donations (even a few dollars a week) help
us to build more for you with a community of like-minded
people who make a difference in your world.
Giving
generously is solidly based in Universal Principles. When
you release your thoughts of lack and scarcity, you are
creating a space for the Universe to fill abundantly. Do
you only give if you receive first?
AND
ANOTHER THING ...
4 Ways to Strengthen the Bond With Your Children
Few things
are more important in life than the bond you share with your children.
If you lack a close relationship with your kids, the bond can
be a source of pain and anguish, while a strong connection with
your kids can bring incredible joy and happiness.
If you've
lost the closeness that you crave, you can strengthen the relationship
in four practical ways.
Help
Them With Homework
Help your children with their homework to show them that you're
interested in their education. This also lets them know that they
can rely on you when they need help. The message you send is that
they're more valuable to you than anything else you could be spending
your time doing.
Life is
hectic and time is short and, one day, the time to develop this
bond may be gone. Seize the day by taking the time to help your
kids with their homework. If you do this on a regular basis, you
may find the conversation wandering away from homework to topics
that give you a glimpse into what's most important to your kids.
Share
Their Interests
Join your kids in activities and interests that they choose. Children
naturally gravitate toward projects and activities they're interested
in, so ask questions about the activities they choose to engage
in! Become curious about what makes them tick, and let them know
that you're curious. Fuel their passion and draw them close to
you by sharing in what they love.
Find
Common Interests
If you feel like you have nothing in common with your children,
try to expose them to something that you really care about. Introduce
them to your passions in a kid-friendly way and make the activity
as fun for them as possible, while sharing your interests with
them.
Often,
your enthusiasm and interest in your children will cause them
to become interested in the things you like, but be willing to
accept that they may not enjoy the same things you do, no matter
how hard you try. The closeness you experience when you share
something you both enjoy is exhilarating.
Most lifelong
passions start at childhood. Many passions are handed down from
generation to generation. If you desire a lifelong closeness with
your children, introduce them to the things you care about. Involve
them and stir their curiosity, while communicating acceptance
and love no matter what their interests may be.
If you
aren't sure where to begin, try one of these activities:
* Take your children fishing.
* Take them to your favorite team's sporting event.
* Take them shopping at their favorite store.
* Try a mommy or daddy date with a meal at your favorite restaurant
(or theirs).
* Show them your favorite (age-appropriate) movie.
* Read a favorite book together.
Frequently,
the activity itself isn't what children remember. The time you
spend with them creates the memory. Your availability and interest
are the two most important factors in creating the close relationship
you deserve with your children.
Include
Everyone
With one child, it’s fairly easy to incorporate the entire family
in activities that strengthen the bond between you. If you have
more than one child, however, remember to spread your attention
and activities among them as evenly as possible.
A little
effort goes a long way. Just make an effort, and your children
will see that you really do want a close relationship with them
more than anything else. Most importantly, begin today! It's easier
to create bonds with your children that last forever when they're
younger. Make your children a priority, and you'll be rewarded
with a bond that will last a lifetime.
