Home Level Management

Well, as parents, we're qualified managers. I'm sure of it. I know I am. I might not have a sheet of paper stating that I passed a multilevel management course, but I know full well that I have the skills to pull the job off. Just the fact that I am a mother of five children, ages ranging from 6 to 14, and we manage to keep a daily schedule, get three meals on the table, keep the house clean, stay on top of daily schoolwork, and sort through emotional/social issues, is enough proof. And that's just a tiny bit of what our exciting lifestyle entails. :-)

So, since I'm qualified to do so, :-P, I will venture to state something about home management:

Our aim, as parents, is to secure peak performance from our children by nudging them to realize their full potential. Sometimes we walk a fine line between offering support and encouragement and pushing a bit. Well, don't be afraid to prod and shove a little (when appropriate). Don't be afraid to maintain high ethical standards. There have got to be clearly defined rights and wrongs. In the ends our kids will be thankful that we believed in them enough to encourage their best. The key is LOVE. Real love will see the potential and positively fuel the flame of that potential.

Above all things, have love. Because love really is the most powerful force in the universe.

Teens love one-word statements

I have a feeling that my teen boy is relieved when I skip the "lecture" and say it in a word. I don't know why I never noticed this before...hmmm. It's all coming to me now.

I suppose his imagination is active enough to know what to do when I say, "your bed"! And if I can keep myself from yielding to the temptation of elaboration, I will be giving him an opportunity to exercise his own initiative and stimulate his intelligence. Whether he, upon hearing the word bed, decides to make his bed or jump in for a snooze is yet to be discovered...

Happy New Years to All