Be a Better Parent Challenge - Day 16 - Say what you mean...

I still haven't completely decided on what our tradition is going to be, but I was hoping you smart readers would have some suggestions. I realize that it was Sunday and you were probably being better parents (right?), but if you have a moment and can share some of your traditions, I'd love to hear them.

And, since you got lots of rest and respite this weekend, you're ready for a big challenge today, right? RIGHT!

Challege #16 - Say what you mean and mean what you say

I realize that this is somewhat similar to the "in a second" challenge that we had a few days ago, but it really does take things to another level. It's probably no surprise that we often say way more than needs to be said - whether it's because we don't say it effectively, we say it when our kids aren't really listening to us, or we just say it because it sounds good at the time.

But then we have to follow through on what we said.

However, we'll worry about all that good stuff later. For now, just concentrate on what you're saying.Take a second to think about what's reasonable and what makes sense. Are you just saying stuff to say it or do you really want your kids to listen and understand?

That could really change what you're saying and how you're saying it. And really, truly LESS IS MORE, especially when it comes to kids. Isn't there some statistic out there that says they really only catch like 2-3 out of every 10 words or something?

I'm not surprised.

We'll have plenty more challenges that deal with this because I think it's a biggie. But today, give it a try and see what happens.

Comments

[patricialynn]

We are kind of a geek family, and my fiance and I are really into DnD (Dungeons and Dragons). The game is complex, and we were sure that our seven and eight year old wouldn't be able to handle it.

So we went online and found a simpler version of DnD for young children. Now our family tradition is to sit down for an hour or two and play DnD together once a week. The kids love it, and I enjoy seeing their faces light up as they play through each level.

Eventually we will morph the easier version into the real version of DnD, and the kids will be able to play the full game (probably by the time they are in their early teens).