Comments on The Thoughtful Parent: What is the Goal of Childrearing?

Maturity seems like a great goal for kids. But ho...

2011-10-27T12:30:21.693-05:00

Maturity seems like a great goal for kids. But honestly, the happiest adults I see aren't particularly mature. They have a childlike quality to them. If a kid learns to regulate emotions, handle conflict, and self-evaluate, that's great. But adults who seem REALLY good at that seem kind of anal -- the ones who don't know how to have fun.

Maybe there are a lot of ways of being happy and we should nurture all of them.

"their attentiveness and care for others"...

2009-06-07T21:34:27.480-05:00

"their attentiveness and care for others" this is sooo true ! Great post. I am reading a book right now about raising we children in a me society. Sociallbly responsible children that is my childrearing goal ;)

I would love to see your blog at herblogdirectory.com

Following from MBC---please follow back... <3 ...

2009-05-30T01:04:24.287-05:00

Following from MBC---please follow back...

<3 sarasophia

I agree with this. I think it is important for a ...

2009-05-29T16:14:58.128-05:00

I agree with this. I think it is important for a child to have a healthy dose of self-esteem, but also to understand that they need to place their needs in relation to the needs of others. I want my children to feel good about themselves, but not think that getting their way is the only thing that matters. For this reason, we don't give into their every little whim. They are loved and well cared for, but we don't allow either child to dictate the happiness of the entire household.

On the other hand, I cannot help bu tell my child how smart or talented he is when he names all the presidents, or says his ABCs (he's 2.5). I also praise him for sharing with others and being nice to his baby brother. I want him to feel pride for his accomplishments.

The myth of self-esteem parenting seems to have gr...

2009-05-28T17:11:22.088-05:00

The myth of self-esteem parenting seems to have grown out of the ME generation.

I'm not suggesting that bashing your kid is a good idea. But the primary job of parenting is to raise a self-sufficient, morally and ethically capable child who can THINK and act responsibly.

And that requires discipline. Something that the self-esteem parenters seem to forget.

Mine have all been raised in a more or less tough love environment, where they were forced to own up to their mistakes and responsibility.

And they, paradoxically, are among the most self-assured young men I have ever met.

Amazing what self-reliance can do for your ego.