How Positive a Parent are you?
By The Schoolmarm • Sep 10th, 2008 • Category: articles
Dad and Jack were talking before the t-ball game.
Jack blurted out, "We're gonna lose!"
Dad said, " Son, you need to be more positive."
Jack agreed, " I'm positive we're gonna lose!"
Okay, that story is so old that Jack is probably a grandfather by now, but it helps to make the point that we don't always understand how to think in a positive way.
Many people approach situations from fear, and fear fosters negative thinking. Expecting the worst perhaps is a vain effort to prepare oneself for the worst. Anyway, it is far from life affirming.
How about you? How do you approach daily events in your life? Do you speak to your children from a positive or negative point of view? Have you ever stopped to think how you sound to your kids?
For a little exercise, how could you restate these three sentences to make them more positive?
- Don't even think of turning on that TV until your homework is done!
- If you don't eat your green beans then forget about having the dessert!
- Why don't you ever find your shoes before we get ready to leave?
How'd you do? Did you think of better ways to say the same thing? Were yours similar to mine?
- After your homework is done you can watch some TV.
- Finish your green beans so you can have some dessert.
- I really like it when you find your shoes before we get ready to leave.
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What you are saying is so true. I started really getting into having a more positive mindest and being more positive in my speech when my son was born. I have a list of affirmations that we say together and I always try to be mindful of the way I speak to him even when I'm angry. I wasn't given that so much when I was a child and I love my parents dearly. You can't unring a bell so that is why I LOVE That's Bingzy for my son! As soon as I opened the box it came in he couldn't wait to read it. The pictures are so colorful and the accompanying CD is filled with memorable and musical songs. The messages given to young readers are so positive and uplifting. My son is 3 going on 4 and when he starts to throw a tantrum or he dares to say, "I can't do it" about something that he's trying to do, (this may sound silly) I start singing track #10 -"I Believe I Can" to him and it's like he forgets that he's upset and he gets into a more positive mind frame. Giving him Bingzy was like giving him I didn't get as a child. Progressive parenting…I like that!
Christina Smith, Founder
Christine's Peachy Keen Cobblers, LLC
"Give Grandmas a Break!"
http://www.christinespeachykeencobblers.com
Christina, I agree that Arlene Richards, author of That's Bingzy, has a unique way of reaching children through music. She is a terrific teacher and young kids respond enthusiastically to her songs. Having a positive outlook on life is a gift that most of us have to work to receive. It seems to be easier to give in to the negative, rather than look for that tiny bit of silver hiding under that dark cloud. It is all about what you choose to focus on. It's a learning process, but sounds like you are well on your way. Bingzy sends a big buzzing hello to your little guy, with love!