Discipline is a part of growing up. As a parent, this is your responsibility. However, don’t allow your discipline to be an adult shouting match where the child sees you more out of control that he or she is. Parents often “loose it.” When this happens, the child ends up being confused by the action.
More than anything, your child wants focused time with you. Everyday life can be full of adventure and packed full of great learning experiences. At the end of the day, make up a story that involved the same experience you had with your child that day. Andy Ant stories were all initially based on things my daughter did the same day. Create a teaching character that lasts in the child’s mind for a lifetime.
Life should be full of fun for you and your child. Create ways to have fun together. This does not mean always investing dollars on some costly venture. Make a memory by having fun weeding a garden together, cleaning your child’s bedroom, baking cookies, going for a nature walk, or washing the car. Make life experiences the focus of fun adventures.
An outstanding educator and leader in educating students in San Bernardino, CA, Margaret Hill, posted a quote on her Facebook page a while back from Ben Franklin: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Parents, you need to memorize this one! It is easier to tell than to teach. Lasting impact on a child’s life comes through involvement.
Andy told me this morning on the way to school that his dad is starting to build a new underground condo project for senior ants on a big vacant field that’s three blocks from my house. Imagine a retirement community for old ants! His dad has to get up extra early to be at work by 7am. Three blocks’ distance is a long way for ants to walk.
Most people have no idea how many ants live in my neighborhood. They live in ant villages called colonies. Andy tells me they have underground highways and that most ants never come out in the daytime. When God created the earth, He made plenty of room for lots of ants. He sees value in them, even if people don’t. God is quite amazing. He cares for every person and for every little creature—even ones smaller than ants.