When I put together the following audios and videos, I thought about a parent struggling like I once was trying to figure out what was most important in a child's life besides toys. I also had to discover how to parent them effectively based on their personalities, interests, and bodily strength. As they grew up, I didn't want them to remain in a time where they were stagnant. I knew that they were curious about a lot of things and wanted to do more than just sit in a room and play. So I sat down and had meetings with them talking about all sorts of things and asking them questions about their likes, dislikes, fears, worries, and other thoughts.
1. How are you today? Are you happy, sad, or mad?
2. What did your teacher talk to you about ____________________________(fill in the blank with child's interest, ongoing problem, etc.)
3. What was the best part of your day? (Provide examples).
4. What would you like to eat? (List some options).
5. What don't you like to eat? (Mention things you already know, but there maybe some new ones).
6. What fun thing did you do at ______________________________(fill in the blank with the relative's title, name of friend...)?
7. Did you go to _________________________ (fill in the blank with the place visited)?
8. That sounds like fun. What did you see? What did you hear? What did you smell?
9. Would you like to come with me and help out with_____________________? If you help, _____________ (fill in the blank with a good thing they will receive, get to do...)
10. Why did you ___________________________ (fill in the blank with the negative thing they did, express how you feel about it). You will not be able to__________________(fill in the blank with te consequence of their action).
NOTE: When they do something great they are praised with a smile and warm hug. "Great job! I knew you could do it. Wonderful! That is so nice, let me give you______________. Keep up the good work."
What I did above for years helped them emotionally. They were eager to help out and wanted to learn more. Now that they are a tween and teen, the struggle is real, but I keep pressing forward. I don't care about their negative attitude about doing chores or why they feel they shouldn't have to do A, B,C. The discussion is limited, things need to get done. When they're not I remove cords from electronics and other privileges are revoked until I get results. One son had to look at an almost empty room for almost 48 hours after disputing about what he didn't want to do. He did what he was asked then told what to do, but there wasn't much left of his room afterward.
The little boys seen in some of my videos have grown up in front of cameras and are now embracing all that comes with being a teen and tween. They have been great inspirations and I have learned much about being a parent with every challenge they have presented before me. I sincerely hope that the advice and challenges I share on the recordings will help you in your quest to be the best parent you can be! There are also some visuals that might inspire as well, enjoy! God bless :)
