RIOT Parenting Tip: Did you like the fable from Aesop I sent the other day? Heres another classic Aesop fable that applies to parenting: The Farmer and the Cranes SOME CRANES made their feeding grounds on some plowlands newly sown with wheat. For a long time the Farmer, brandishing an empty sling, chased them away by the terror he inspired; but when the birds found that the sling was only swung in the air, they ceased to take any notice of it and would not move. The Farmer, on seeing this, charged his sling with stones, and killed a great number. The remaining birds at once forsook his fields, crying to each other, It is time for us to be off to Liliput: for this man is no longer content to scare us, but begins to show us in earnest what he can do. The moral: Bluff and threatening words are of little value. This is about FOLLOW THROUGH. Kids see right through empty threats. You have to be willing to put stones in your sling and follow through on the consequences you promise. (Of course, dont literally shoot stones at your kids!) If you told your child that a messy room means they cant go to a friends house this weekend...Dont back out on that because you see the sad look in their eyes come Saturday. They need to know youre serious. And theyll respect you and love you more for it. So dig your heels in, and show them what you can do in earnest. Wishing you tremendous success! Master Reitenbach 7th Degree Black Belt (Kukkiwon) Phone 650-992-3939 URL: reitenbachstaekwondo
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 20:08:35 +0000