Parent Education

Years ago we decided that children needed to be taught by other people. The dictum, In Loco Parentis, became reality.

Now we need to take the next step. It's time to accept that parents, too, can benefit from learning.

Parenting is the one and only area in life that still relies on instinct and not knowledge. We seek support and knowledge in every other area of our lives, including giving birth to our children. What about raising them? Isn't it worthwhile - if not crucial - to seek knowledge and support in this area?

Did you know that more and more preschoolers are given medication for ADD and other psychological/neurological disorders? They're not only being identified earlier; we're looking for a "quick fix" to their problems.

Instead, research (and my experience) has found that parent support and education at this level reduces behavioral problems and improves the children's social skills.

Parent classes have been around for awhile and some parent participate in them. What about making parent education an integral part of our children's education, especially at the preschool level where the most can be accomplished with the least amount of time and effort?

I would like to plant the seeds for this idea wherever parents and educators live who are interested in doing the best job that they can; and who isn't?

The Benefits of Depression - Wow!

This concept is amazing. Here we have a mood problem which affects thousands of people and now a psychiatrist proposes that the problem can in fact be beneficial!

Dr. Paul Keedwell has written a book, How Sadness Survived (Radcliffe Publishing), in which he states that "depression can lead to increased resilience, empathy and creativity of thought."

Many brilliant and successful people have suffered from depression.

What is the connection?

I believe that one possible factor in depression is a person's inherent sensitivity to emotional stimuli. The sensitivity triggers certain negative thinking. Once we understand those triggers - and, if necessary, the person obtains the proper medication as a support - we can teach the person how to utilize that inborn sensitivity in a productive way.

Depression is not a failing. Rather, it is a reservoir of unused fuel that awaits processing.

The Pleasure of a Set Table

Would you like your children to learn how to cook? Would you like them to assist you in making supper? Then ask them to set the table.

The competent child takes pride in his or her work. If you ask them to do something within their capability level, then they will be able to finish the task and attain a sense of completion. That achievement brings tremendous satisfaction, irrespective of its objective level of difficulty.

So if you want your child to volunteer for more difficult tasks, do the following:

1. Start young and ask them to do something that they will enjoy doing because they've
a) seen others do it;
b) they've never done it before; and
c) it's a challenge, i.e., something slightly above their previous achievements.

2. Offer your assistance and companionship. Don't make it a solo performance. Give them positive attention while they are in the midst of execution.

3. Praise the finished product.

4. Let them try it out again, but don't make it "their job." Vary your requests.

The most important part of your job is to motivate your youngster to undertake responsibility. Don't make it onerous. Keep it fun.

At the beach

My husband had a conference in Orlando, Fl. this past December. I decided to tag along but, for the first time, didn't pay a visit to Disney but went to the beach.

I rented a room with a balcony and stayed for two nights. The temperature was in the 80's and the hotel was virtually empty. My room overlooked the water and I was able to see sunrise from my bed. I took a morning walk barefoot on the beach, feeling the softness of the sand and stopping every once in awhile to pick up seashells to take home. Then I ate lunch and spent the afternoon on the balcony, reveling in the solitude and expansiveness of the moment. At dusk I watched the surfers ride out into the ocean to catch the waves.

When life gets too stressful I go back to the beach. In my mind I am sitting on that balcony once again; I can feel the warmth and peace pervade my being.

Then I am on vacation once again. And it's accessible at any time, without any cost or travel.