CARE ABOUT KIDS

Parents: In managing your children use your imagination; put yourself in their place. Let's pretend that you are expecting guests and your child is fingerpainting. If you say, "You can't do that anymore;go ride your bike," her/his answer will probably be, "I don't want to." If instead you explain that you are expecting company and ask her/him to think of something less messy to do, she/he just might choose to ride her/his bike or may even offer to help. A child is much more likely to carry out her/his own idea than one suggested or imposed by an adult. Of course, there will be times when you will have to insist that a child do it your way.MY WORD: Raising children is probably the most creative thing you will do in your life.