Many moons ago, I wrote a very long parenting article - much too long to submit to a magazine like my others. It’s been sitting around collecting dust for a couple of years, but I’ll link to it now and maybe it’ll be of service to someone out there.
It’s designed to explore the following:
If I was to ask you how happy are you with your parenting overall, what would you say? Would you be beating yourself up with good ol’ Gen X parental guilt? I’m finding more than a few parents are saying to me they feel they’re doing poorly in their role, way too close to it to really even assess things…
What if I followed those questions up with: “How do you know how you’re doing?” What evidence would you turn to so you could give me an accurate appraisal of your ”effectiveness” as a mother or father? Wouldn’t it be good to find markers that actually give you factual information?
It’s called How Am I Doing … Really? . I’d love you to read it and would welcome your feedback.
3 responses so far ↓
Jonathan // Jun 19, 2008 at 6:24 am
If at 2 seconds out the decibel level is at 110 what response does that register?
Good examples of the cycle of escalation. My stepdaughter and I get caught up in this cycle all the time.
If your argument ends in “Your grounded” or “I hate you.” you can probably safely assume you’re caught in the cycle of escalation.
There is some good advice in here. Folks if you haven’t read it yet, take a look!
Jo // Jun 19, 2008 at 9:16 am
I enjoyed the article - thanks Pete
Pete // Jun 19, 2008 at 9:42 am
Jonathan, I guess that means the synaptic pathways are laid, the path is well-trodden, and everyone knows the rules of engagement. You know I struggle at least with keeping the noise levels down between the boys. Although I’m not as anxious as I was about that a few weeks ago, before some sage advice from a good friend.
Jo (and Jonathan!), thanks for taking the time to read!!
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