Raising Children...

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When I first became a parent, I remember very clearlyme create my idea of shelving for my room. As I
my mother advising me to "choose my battlesrecall, they weren't very straight or level but they did
carefully". It was her belief, and soon became mine,hold my books and for that I was very proud.
that when raising children, you must not put yourself inSome parents may not have taken the time or at the
a position of "dictator". "Growing up shouldn't be avery least not wanted this strange piece of woodwork
battlefield" my mother would say.in the house, but my parents beamed with pride.
Her words were always in the back of my mind as II wasn't told "you can't do that", or "you aren't old
was raising my daughter (now 32) and are still a veryenough to use a hammer". I was encouraged not
large part of my parenting philosophy as I now raisediscouraged. It would have been so easy for my
my grandchildren.father to suggest he build the shelves for me, instead
The theory is still very much the same, however,he allowed me the experience.
today the phrase has become, "take the path of leastThis experience as well as similar countless others
resistance".throughout my growing up years taught me that
Regardless of the phrase you choose to use, theanything was possible for me in my life.
importance is in the message. A successful parent willThe underlying message in "the path of least
know the value of going with the "flow" concerningresistance" is to see your role in your children's lives as
their children's choices and preferences.accompanying them on an adventure that you are
Whether you see it as "choosing a battle" or "choosingblessed to be sharing.
a path", your attitude will undoubtedly affect theWhether it is your teen's style of dress or your
process and outcome of every situation you face withtoddlers desire to play in the mud, the primary focus
your children.should always be, as my mother used to say, "If it
The criterion to rely on is determined by your beliefswon't hurt them physically or emotionally, let them be"!
about your role in your children's lives. You first need toTaking the path of least resistance and choosing to be
define the type of relationship you want to have within a supportive role in your children's lives will give them
your children and then be clear on what your goals arean enormous feeling of being valued as their own
for them.person, rather than an extension of the preferences of
I was raised knowing beyond any doubt that myothers.
parents were "with" me. They were not "ruling" overChoosing a path of "assistance" versus "resistance"
me or standing in judgment of me. It was evident thatwill lead your children to having courage, confidence,
they saw their role as being my biggest supporter, toand a healthy self-esteem. These traits are the
encourage and inspire me to create my own identity.foundation of having a positive mindset.
They understood that would only happen throughPerceiving yourself and the world around you in a
allowing me to experience life.positive way prepares you to become automatically
My parents were thrilled when I would ask to try aaligned with the basic principle of the law of attraction.
new sport or join a new club at school. I rememberWhen you have a positive outlook, you are in line to
one time, when I was around 6 years old, afterattract more of the same and good things will come to
watching my father (who was a builder) build a life-sizeyou. This path will become a journey of true happiness
playhouse in the backyard for us to play in, asking forand success.
some tools so that I could build some shelves for myAnd that, I believe is what all parents want for their
bedroom to hold my special books.children.
My father got me the lumber (pre-cut as I was too