I wish I would see more examples of good parenting like what I witnessed last night. A little boy began to cry and whine as his parents tried to leave the pool. The father had the patience to ask the little boy, "Please tell me what you are feeling with words so I can understand."
The boy tried to find the words, but returned to crying. The father asked his son in a soft, patient, loving voice, "Do you want to start over?"
The boy stopped crying, took a breath and then found the few words he needed to communicate to his parents that he wanted his older sister to be able to finish reading him the story she had been sharing with him.
The father replied, "Okay," and the sister picked up the book and finished reading. With respect and understanding, they waited for the story to finish before packing up their family.
This was so refreshing! To see a family respecting and supporting each other, rather than trying to control one another. They understood this experience, the time requirement, it was all an investment in their relationship with each other. They were willing to be in the moment, to stop and adapt rather than worry about control.
What difference would it really make if they left the pool a few minutes later? None really. What difference would it really make if they listened to the needs of their children? Trust and respect continually built upon, establishing a foundation for your family's healthy future, that's the payoff.
6 comments:
An awesome thing to see, Dawn. I remember a time a few years ago when I was blown away by a similar experience. A family with four teens, mom and dad, were stuck waiting longer than they were prepared to wait (for a photo session at our church, for the church's directory). The kids all needed to be somewhere and so did the dad, and they only had two cars. They got in a huddle, said okay - this is where we are, and this is where we need to be, so how do we solve it? They all made suggestions, action was taken, the photo session was completed and everyone got where they needed to be. It was amazing to witness. Consideration and communication - it works.
You sure don't see that very often and it is so sad that people especially families can't communicate with each other. The world would be a better place if we all stopped and listened more often
very nice
Thanks for posting. This is the way I try to parent, but it's a good reminder to stop and listen.
How wonderful to hear. Thanks for sharing that Dawn.
Nice!
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