September 9th, 2024
Wise parents don’t rescue kids from their mistakes
When children get themselves in a bind, whether it’s forgotten homework, a lost permission slip, a left-behind lunch, or something more serious, parents usually have a strong urge to solve the problem for their child. The parent swoops in to save the day, and the problem is gone. But the child just learned that my parent will solve my problems for me, and that problems aren’t really that uncomfortable. They missed a chance to learn that actions have consequences.
Self-confidence, responsibility, character, and resiliency all find their foundation in the same place. They grow out of the opportunities children create when they make poor decisions and are faced with the consequences that follow.
Wise parents over-ride their own natural tendencies to rescue or to tell kids how to deal with these opportunities. If they don’t, the opportunities are lost. Over a period of time, youngsters start to believe that others are smarter and more capable than they are.
Jake called his dad from college to say that his car had been towed. He tried to explain that it wasn’t his fault because the parking sign was not easy to see.
Dad replied, “Oh, that is sad. What do you think you are going to do?”
“Well, Dad, I was thinking you need to send me $200 so I can get the car out of the impound lot.”
Wise parents don’t rescue kids from their mistakes
Keep reading to find out how Dad responded.
Originally posted 2015-11-11 10:23:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
