A Child's Paper Thin Perceptions

Yesterday, my 18 year old step-daughter came to full realization that I am imperfect. This coming so late in adolescence is certainly attributable to her trusting and humble nature. My 18 year old son came to the same conclusion at least 5 years earlier. His realization began the war to shape him into the man he ought to be. It was a hard fought campaign, but I won. With my step-daughter, I think this epiphany will be the end of her conflict to graduate from childhood. Now that she understands that her parents aren't perfect, but that they are doing the best they can, she is the type to pick up the load and carry the mail. Since I'm on the subject, here's some important stuff for parents:

• Each child is different.
  
• Define choices and let your child pick.
  
• If you demand nothing, you'll get nothing.
  
• They learn more from what you do than what you say.
  
• Tell them that you love them and then show them you love them.
  
• There are at least 11 kinds of genius. Help your child be one.
  
• Expecting only adult behaviors from children is absurd and harmful.
  
• The younger ones will learn both good and bad behaviors from the older ones. Pay attention.
  
• The single most important word for turning children into adults is "no". It's Vitamin "N"
  
• Never give in to a tantrum. It sets both of you up for failure. Let the kid cry to sleep sometimes.
  
• They learn more about sharing, fairness, sportsmanship, character and courage from playing with you than from talking to you.
  
• They expect you to behave appropriately. If you are abusive, grouchy, impatient or uninterested, they think that's the way adults are supposed to be.
  
• You are training the person that will raise your grandkids. Try not to screw it up.
  
• Think about what you're doing and how they see it. Their world centers around you.

That's about all I have to say about that.

To that beauty of 18 years: Always remember that Papa loves YOU more.