Cambry had her kindergarten check-up on Thursday. Caiden also had a check-up, and I ended up taking Delaney along to get her ears checked. It was quite a morning - I wouldn't recommend taking 3 children all at once. Along with Cambry's check-up, she got shots and had blood drawn. I hadn't mentioned those things to her in advance because I knew she would be scared for much longer than she needed to be (and I had completely forgotten about getting blood drawn - also a reason not to have 3 children along). She did really great, although there were a few tears.
These well-child visits always include parenting handouts, and usually I don't read them. However, this time, I glanced at one and started reading. The article is titled "Equipping Your Children for the Real World" from Focus on the Family, May 2000. Here is an excerpt from it:
In my early days of parenting, I had this mistaken notion that childhood was a kind of child's carnival, where our main responsibility was to keep our children entertained. Four kids later, I realize that childhood is training time for work and the real world. The earlier our children understand that life involves responsibility, the stronger their work ethic and willingness to work will be.
Now this does not mean that children should not play, child development experts note that play is children's work, the way they learn about themselves, others and the world around them. But all play and no work makes for kids unequipped to enter the adult world.
It went on to discuss 11 life skills with which we should equip our kids: home skills, life navigation skills, space organization, social skills, time organization, spiritual habits, money management, health/nutrition, mental aptitude, creativity, and value of life.
You may or may not agree with this article, but for me, it was a good reminder of my role as a parent!
These well-child visits always include parenting handouts, and usually I don't read them. However, this time, I glanced at one and started reading. The article is titled "Equipping Your Children for the Real World" from Focus on the Family, May 2000. Here is an excerpt from it:
In my early days of parenting, I had this mistaken notion that childhood was a kind of child's carnival, where our main responsibility was to keep our children entertained. Four kids later, I realize that childhood is training time for work and the real world. The earlier our children understand that life involves responsibility, the stronger their work ethic and willingness to work will be.
Now this does not mean that children should not play, child development experts note that play is children's work, the way they learn about themselves, others and the world around them. But all play and no work makes for kids unequipped to enter the adult world.
It went on to discuss 11 life skills with which we should equip our kids: home skills, life navigation skills, space organization, social skills, time organization, spiritual habits, money management, health/nutrition, mental aptitude, creativity, and value of life.
You may or may not agree with this article, but for me, it was a good reminder of my role as a parent!
Comments
Post a Comment