My Real Life

March 30, 2013

Some Lessons

Filed under: Uncategorized — Amy @ 6:00 am

Yesterday was the last day of Spring Break, and the monkeys and I met my Dad for lunch at a local diner.

We passed my Dad in the parking lot while we were looking for a spot, and the monkeys hopped out to walk in with him while I continued to search.

When we got inside, my Dad immediately asked why I let Monkey in the Middle out of the house without a coat on, as it was only 54 degrees.

My response was “I tried to tell him, Dad, but sometimes, you gotta learn the hard way.”

As a teacher, I know that when trying to teach someone something, telling is hardly ever successful.

Showing is moderately more effective.

Yet, let someone try it out for themselves and they own it.

Same goes with life lessons.

Let’s be clear…I’m not talking about things like taking drugs, trying to outrun a train, or touching a hot stove.

I’m talking about the every day lessons that kids are learning each and every day.

So, if it’s not a “high risk” lesson to learn, I’ll give them my opinion, but let them learn on their own.

Using this approach my kids have learned:

hairspray is not a good de-tangler

peanut butter and hard-boiled eggs are not a good combination

mud pies are not delicious

spinning in circles directly after dinner will cause you to vomit

…and yes…when you’ve had a winter like we have, it’s too cold not to wear your coat while walking through town on a 54 degree day.

6 Comments »

  1. Love your parenting tips – where were you 50 years ago when i only had my Dr. Spock paperback!

    Comment by Sylvia Sandy Seyer — March 30, 2013 @ 7:22 am | Reply

    • Aw, thanks, Sandy! 🙂

      Comment by abozza — March 30, 2013 @ 7:46 am | Reply

  2. So true! Sometimes they just have to learn the hard way. Wishing you, your hubby and all the monkeys a very Happy Easter!

    Comment by Debbie — March 30, 2013 @ 9:50 am | Reply

    • Thanks, Debbie! Same to you and yours!

      Comment by abozza — March 30, 2013 @ 3:34 pm | Reply

  3. ….And this is the reason I love reading your blog. I too parent the same way as I believe it teaches them personal responsibility and resilience. ….The monkeys are blessed to have a NON helicoptering mother…Happy Easter to your family.

    Comment by Ruth — March 30, 2013 @ 11:17 pm | Reply

    • Thank you, Ruth! Good to know I have a kindred spirit!

      Comment by WordPress.com Support — March 31, 2013 @ 7:20 am | Reply


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