Parenting Children - August 13, 2012

Day 1 - Introduction

An introduction to the parenting children course.
•   any expectations to be perfect parents are unrealistic and unhelpful
•  no instant recipe or formula for bringing up children
•  different situations and different children call for different approaches
•  some general principles that apply to all families
•  value of discussions with other parents
•  challenge of pace of life today
•  vital for parents to invest enough time and energy into family life

Question:
What about parenting gives you the most joy today?

Study Guide

More Messages Associated With "Family"...

Powered by Series Engine


We look at the role of listening and attention-giving in effective communications.2. Learn to listen

  • treat them like young adults (not children)
  • Listen carefully to their views and feelings
  • Effective communication requires that parents
    • learn to speak with their teenager rather than at their teenager (Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages of Teenagers)
    • engage in discussion and be prepared to debate the issues rather than repeating Simplistic slogans such as “You’re too young to have a boyfriend” or “drugs are dangerous”

3. Give your full attention

  • recognize the important moments to listen and give your full attention
  • don’t try to listen to your teenager while doing something else at the same time

maintain eye contact; observe your teenager’s body language

When have you had your best conversations with your teenager?