An uneventful weekend...
As I shopped for my new digs in town, the words of the Patriotette kept ringing through my head... "You have the greatest kids, how do you do it?"
Well, its simple. I'm a parent.
I'm not a buddy, I'm not their pal, I am their Dad. Yep, the "I get the big piece of chicken" kinda Dad. They don't give me crap, because I don't give them crap. There is little negotiation (negotiating with a seven year old is like coaxing a bottle of tanqueray from a Kennedy), and little room for discussion. It's not that I'm a dictator, I just keep variables out of their lives. I set and keep boundaries, and to be honest... YES, I have disciplined my kids. Not in a "locked in the closet for a day" kind of thing, but I actually STUDY my kids, and see what makes them tick. My oldest responds well to guilt (probably some latent catholic tendency I passed onto him, and responds well when I tell him he has disappointed me). My youngest of course is a social butterfly, and exclusion from fun is his hot-button. Using the tools I've developed... OF COURSE I'm a good parent. No beatings, no suffering, just calm, wonderful times with my children.
So... Take a little time. Figure out your kids, and it'll take your relationship(s) to a whole new level.
I'll keep you posted on when they get bigger and smarter than me. ;)
I hope you had fun Patriotette. The little men had a ball with you, and can hardly wait until next time.
Well, its simple. I'm a parent.
I'm not a buddy, I'm not their pal, I am their Dad. Yep, the "I get the big piece of chicken" kinda Dad. They don't give me crap, because I don't give them crap. There is little negotiation (negotiating with a seven year old is like coaxing a bottle of tanqueray from a Kennedy), and little room for discussion. It's not that I'm a dictator, I just keep variables out of their lives. I set and keep boundaries, and to be honest... YES, I have disciplined my kids. Not in a "locked in the closet for a day" kind of thing, but I actually STUDY my kids, and see what makes them tick. My oldest responds well to guilt (probably some latent catholic tendency I passed onto him, and responds well when I tell him he has disappointed me). My youngest of course is a social butterfly, and exclusion from fun is his hot-button. Using the tools I've developed... OF COURSE I'm a good parent. No beatings, no suffering, just calm, wonderful times with my children.
So... Take a little time. Figure out your kids, and it'll take your relationship(s) to a whole new level.
I'll keep you posted on when they get bigger and smarter than me. ;)
I hope you had fun Patriotette. The little men had a ball with you, and can hardly wait until next time.
posted by TheEvilDoer at 8:33 AM
1 Comments:
Of course I had fun. Your kids are the sweetest. It was so cute that Nick would just walk up to me and take my hand - or you'd go one way and I'd go another...and like the Pied Piper, two little people would be right on my heels.
I'll watch them any time. :) You should be proud.
Post a Comment
<< Home