Grandpa has two sons, two step-daughters, and six grandkids. While he doesn't usually like to give "advice," unless it's about wielding a hammer, saw or a gardening tool, he was kind enough to weigh in on parenting today. Here are his nuggets of wisdom:
Learn from your parents
Grandpa watched how his father was around the home and he made a decision to be different with his own kids. If he caught himself being too rough with his kids, he stopped.
Read
Grandpa notes that some parents today read more to their kids. Looking back he would have read more to his kids and used TV less as a babysitter. He see parents today reading books from the library and it's great for the kids.
Best Memories - Find the Humor
The best memories - and therefore the things for us parents to look out for - were small moments that were magical or humorous. One example was his son playing left field in little league, but really just being engrossed in the clover patch at his feet.
Another of Grandpa's best memories was of his older son qualifying for a running race at age six. The win required driving from New Jersey all the way out to the tip of Long Island to compete in a race against other kids from the tri-state area. When his son lined up at the start line, he reached out and hugged the other contestants. When the gun went off, he ran fast, but then about half way through the race got captivated by the scenery and slowed to a walking pace. You just have to smile at moments like that.
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Interview #2: Grandy
Grandy has four children and seven grandchildren. He grew up with two sisters and offers some bits of wisdom below:
Maintain Balance
Grandy feels it's important to balance the discipline and love you have for your children. They need both. It's also important to know your kids friends and reassure your children that you are there for them.
Respect Possessions
He would advise parents of today to teach their children to respect what they have. Show them how to take care of their things, like not leaving toys out on the grass overnight. When they are old enough, perhaps taking them to a soup kitchen could reinforce a gratitude for the gifts, both material and otherwise, that the children have. It's important to teach kids the value of money and how to care for it. Perhaps giving a small allowance for key chores.
Limit Technology
Don't let kids spend too much time on devices. When he was little Grandy spent so much more time outside than kids of today. This reminds me of the book "Last Child in the Woods," which expounds on this idea.
Best Memory
Grandy's best memories are of the kids accomplishments; their little league championships and running races.
Pray
Grandy also encourages parents of today to keep saying their prayers. You never know what's to come and you need strength and faith to get through the ups and downs.
Maintain Balance
Grandy feels it's important to balance the discipline and love you have for your children. They need both. It's also important to know your kids friends and reassure your children that you are there for them.
Respect Possessions
He would advise parents of today to teach their children to respect what they have. Show them how to take care of their things, like not leaving toys out on the grass overnight. When they are old enough, perhaps taking them to a soup kitchen could reinforce a gratitude for the gifts, both material and otherwise, that the children have. It's important to teach kids the value of money and how to care for it. Perhaps giving a small allowance for key chores.
Limit Technology
Don't let kids spend too much time on devices. When he was little Grandy spent so much more time outside than kids of today. This reminds me of the book "Last Child in the Woods," which expounds on this idea.
Best Memory
Grandy's best memories are of the kids accomplishments; their little league championships and running races.
Pray
Grandy also encourages parents of today to keep saying their prayers. You never know what's to come and you need strength and faith to get through the ups and downs.
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