It's gone viral- a commencement address that tells the graduates that " You're not special!" Why do you think this has been viewed by so many with few contradicting the statements made in this speech? Maybe because we have let ourselves raise a generation of selfish children.
No one will argue that children are born with the "me syndrome." Even as teenagers, youth are self focused, believing that everyone is looking at them. These are normal developmental stages. Our job as parents is to teach our children to grow into selfless adults who give back to their world. We need to teach children that real giving is done with no strings attached. Giving should be done without expecting recognition or reward. Giving should not be about how much money you can spare. It's also not about just giving things away that you no longer want. A gift should not be measured by the size, but rather its meaning.
How can we teach children these things? Families need to make giving a part of everyday life. It may start with teaching your children how to share. Then it can be involving them in choosing gifts for birthdays or Christmas. Parents can model random acts of kindness. Children should also be setting aside some of their own money to be given to charity. Help them learn about different organizations serving others and how they can become involved. When it's possible and age appropriate, explain to them about other people's needs.
I won't argue that children have to become aware of themselves and feel important and loved. But I think we can all do better when it comes to helping youth grow into caring, giving, selfless adults. If we begin by modeling this type of behavior in our own families, our children will stand a better chance of becoming selfless, not selfish!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Benefits of an involved father----
Father's Day is just around the corner. I want to reaffirm the importance of fathers' involvement with their children. I googled and found numerous articles, backed by research, that stress the importance of fathers in their children's lives.
We know that mothers and fathers are certainly different in their interactions with children. Did you know that babies as young as 3 months can tell the difference between their father and mother? When playing, fathers tend to roughhouse and be physically challenging. This can help the child to learn about acceptable behavior and self-control.
A difference between fathers and mothers is that mothers tend to protect their children, while fathers often push their children. This encouragement by their father can help to teach children to take on new challenges. Fathers also tend to discipline in a different way. Fathers lean towards fairness, justice and duty according to rules. Mothers often lean towards grace and sympathy in their discipline role.
A few statistics regarding children of involved fathers are: These children tend to score higher on cognitive tests and achieve more in the educational setting. These children are often more emotionally secure. They are also less likely to become involved in violent behaviors. Children of involved dad's often take active and positive roles in raising their own children. These children usually have healthier relationships with the opposite sex.
A father does not have to live with his children in order to have these positve effects. Non-resident dads can play an active role in their childrens' lives. It is best for children to grow up with a healthy balance of involvement from both parents whether they live together or seperately. As your family celebrates Father's Day, keep in mind that dad should be involved with his children as much as possible in their daily lives. Happy Father's Day!
We know that mothers and fathers are certainly different in their interactions with children. Did you know that babies as young as 3 months can tell the difference between their father and mother? When playing, fathers tend to roughhouse and be physically challenging. This can help the child to learn about acceptable behavior and self-control.
A difference between fathers and mothers is that mothers tend to protect their children, while fathers often push their children. This encouragement by their father can help to teach children to take on new challenges. Fathers also tend to discipline in a different way. Fathers lean towards fairness, justice and duty according to rules. Mothers often lean towards grace and sympathy in their discipline role.
A few statistics regarding children of involved fathers are: These children tend to score higher on cognitive tests and achieve more in the educational setting. These children are often more emotionally secure. They are also less likely to become involved in violent behaviors. Children of involved dad's often take active and positive roles in raising their own children. These children usually have healthier relationships with the opposite sex.
A father does not have to live with his children in order to have these positve effects. Non-resident dads can play an active role in their childrens' lives. It is best for children to grow up with a healthy balance of involvement from both parents whether they live together or seperately. As your family celebrates Father's Day, keep in mind that dad should be involved with his children as much as possible in their daily lives. Happy Father's Day!
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