I recently wrote a blog about how a teenager’s brain works, and how their challenging behaviors are part of the ‘normal’ growth process for the development of an adolescent brain (October 16, 2011).
I had a reader send in a response asking: “how should a parent deal with the rudeness and rejection of authority? These actions can be serious if the authority is a policeman vs. a parent…if you don't stop it from happening by being the authority figure and holding your ground...then you can't teach them what is right from wrong. Fear of rejection from your own child is a strong incentive to do nothing when bad behavior is thrown in a parents face... and that fear causes issues with strong willed individuals that are taught defiance works... inadvertent lesson from the parent who loves the child and does not take a stand”.
I agree with this reader. This moves the blog from purely informational, to my opinion on child discipline and parameters. So, here is my point of view being the last of 8 children in my original family, with three children ages 17, 10 and almost 8 years old.
I feel that discipline, self-esteem, education, creativity and respect are essential elements to the positive growth of any young person’s mind. I think that if you clearly spell out your expectations and beliefs to a child, and let them ask questions BUT be responsible for their choices (good and bad) you will allow children to be self-reliant, motivated, community participants. When they achieve their goals, they feel motivated to do more, and they have a good understanding how self-respect and respect for others cause them to become good community leaders and participants.
I have been overwhelmed at my children’s successes in school (my 17 year old was awarded National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholar and my 7 and 10 year old sons participate in the gifted scholar programs at their schools). Most importantly, I love to be with them because they make me laugh, and they are thoughtful, loving people. I feel my parenting philosophy must be correct on some level.
11/18/11 - Tuesday Workout:
Spinning class- 45 minutes
11/18/11- Tuesday Food Diary:
Breakfast-
Apple (57 cal)
Whey protein powder (150 cal)
1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup non fat cottage cheese (60 cal)
A.M. Snack-
1 whole wheat tortilla, 1 whole banana, 2 tbls organic almond butter (330 cal)
Lunch-
2 1/4 oz Salmon (145 cal)
Salad-2 cups spinach, 4 cherry tomatoes, 1/2 orange sweet pepper, 2 tbls. edamame (95 cal)
P.M. Snack-
apple (57 cal)
Dinner-
4 oz. pork loin (190 cal)
1 cup steamed broccoli ( 35 cal)
3/4 cup brussel sprouts with apple, low-salt bacon bits, balsamic glaze (159 cal)
3 oz whole wheat penne, yellow cherry tomatoes,sprtiz with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter ( 160 cal)
Dessert-
Homemade popcorn ( 90 cal)
8 oz. 0% Greek yogurt, sprinkle of high fiber kashi cereal (180 cal)
TOTAL CALORIES- 1708
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