Make The World A Better Place -- One Kid At A Time

[Maestro]

Wednesday my school had Paul "Fritz" Dunbar, from Cedar Rapids, IA, speak on the topic of drugs, alcohol, sex, addiction, and suicide. Fritz is in his early 70s and has been a public speaker on this topic for over 30 years.

After his presentation, which our kids were absolutely riveted too, he stays and will do some private counseling with the kids.

I was just as enraptured with his presentation as the students were, and he really resonated with me as an educator, but especially as a parent.

If you're a parent, help me change the world. Do these three things:

1.) Tell your child you love them at least once a day (and don't do it while they're sleeping. Make sure they hear you).

2.) Listen to what your child has to say. Encourage them to talk to you.

3.) Spend at least a half hour or more with them every day.

 

[RJDiogenes]

Good advice. Kids are very vulnerable. We must do everything we can to keep them safe and teach them how to keep themselves safe. I don't have kids, but I try to do this with my niece and nephew.

Also, the only real way to make the world a better place in the future is to cultivate the adults of tomorrow. People should also support organizations that help underprivileged kids. Save The Children is a great organization; I've been a sponsor since about 1980. I highly recommend it.

 

[jamestyler]

Quite odd reading this... I recently had to tell someone pretty much the same thing (well, maybe a bit more) as she views her children as an unwanted burden.

She hates me for it, but I hope she listened. I don;t know what it is about this area, but too many kids re going 'wrong' where I live.

 

[JAG]

I can't imagine considering my daughter a burden. She is a joy and a blessing. I do all the things you mention Maestro. It is too important not to.

 

[Pingfah]

When I read the thread title this was not at all what I had in mind.

 

[bluedana]

I'm starting to put into practice a piece of advice I heard several years ago on the radio, which was to wait 10 - 15 minutes after your kid goes to bed, then go in to say good night. Apparently, what happens is that pre-teens and teenagers start to mull over stuff when they stop physically moving, and they are very likely to broach subjects they would never talk to you about during the day. I'm finding this to be the case with my 12-year old. I just go in, stand in the doorway, and say goodnight. Nine times out of ten, before I turn to leave, I'll get a "Hey, Mom . . .?" It could be about anything. What are we going to do this weekend, or I was thinking I'd like to be X when I grow up. Whatever. Sometimes it's enough to have a full conversation.

I recommend it.

 

[the 4th hanson bro]

Makes me think of the story of Archie Manning, father of Peyton and Eli of the NFL. When Archie was in his teens, his father committed suicide.

The thing that he remembered most from his childhood was that he never heard his dad say to him "I love you" and he decided that if he were ever a father, his kids would not experience the same thing.

I tell my kids that they'll never be too big to give me a hug and they'll never be too cool to tell me that they love me.

I can't imagine life without my kids.

 

[K'Ehleyr]

I'm starting to put into practice a piece of advice I heard several years ago on the radio, which was to wait 10 - 15 minutes after your kid goes to bed, then go in to say good night. Apparently, what happens is that pre-teens and teenagers start to mull over stuff when they stop physically moving, and they are very likely to broach subjects they would never talk to you about during the day. I'm finding this to be the case with my 12-year old. I just go in, stand in the doorway, and say goodnight. Nine times out of ten, before I turn to leave, I'll get a "Hey, Mom . . .?" It could be about anything. What are we going to do this weekend, or I was thinking I'd like to be X when I grow up. Whatever. Sometimes it's enough to have a full conversation.

I recommend it.

That is a really great idea.
My son is 16 and impossible to start a conversation with. I know the worse thing you can do is push so I've started saying 'oh you're going into town, hang on I'll walk in with you' (although I have no need) but that 15 mins casual walk can open up stuff. Gets rid of that 'in the house' pressure

 

[Maestro]

I feel really awful that I give this advice out the same week as WIAA basketball tournaments heat up, and both our girls and boys are in the thick of it. I'm not going to be home much for this week and the next because of having to take the band on the road. Yet, I'm pleased to say that my daughter and I have made the most of the free time I have this week.