New Year's Resolutions for Parents—2003 I resolve to talk TO my children less and talk WITH them more.           I shall always use "please" when asking of my children and "thank you" when receiving from them.           I resolve to not cause my child to suffer embarrassment.           I am determined not to use the computer or the television as a baby sitter.           I will remember that genuine play* with plenty of time for imagination and creativity, is necessary for proper development of the brain. *Entertainment is not play.           I will not arbitrarily make up rules, but will find sound principles for family governance.           I shall not crush my children's spirit by discrediting their creative ideas as worthless, foolish, or nonsense, regardless of how "far-out" the ideas are.           I will not over-schedule myself or my family.           I shall strive to honor my children (their ideas, their presence, their beauty/handsomeness, their choices, their importance to me, etc.) several times every day.           I will remember that children long to be tenderly touched— physically with hugs, mentally with assuring words, and emotionally with genuine kindness.           I shall not pressure my children with "Try harder," rather, I will encourage them with "Do your best."           I choose Joy as our family theme for 2003.     Home    About Us      Our Book      Articles/Vignettes      Seminars/Mentoring      Questions/Answers      What's New?      Contact Us