Parenting Flight Path

School days are back. Many parents might have been used to this kind of situation many times over.  

​For first time parents, this can be an exciting and confusing period. A lot of first time parents may be reluctant on how they should manage their kids on their first day of school. 

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​As parents, we sometimes feel that it is our job to get our kids to do certain things. The reality is, our job is much more interesting, and is far reaching than that.

Our job is to lead our children into adulthood. To do so, we want to influence our children, not simply prod them. We want to see them fly towards responsibility on their own rather than be pushed and prodded into it by us. 

​By acting as a leader in your family, rather than a gate keeper or game warden, you are in control of the flight path. If you behave with utmost integrity, you will inspire your children to do the same. Lectures, shouting matches, and power plays only serve to undercut the respect you want your children to feel towards you. Lead the way with your flight path and have the confidence that they will follow. 

​Kids want to be inspired by their parents; by your calm example of adulthood, you give them the chance to do so.

Zoey FS is in the foreign service and a seasonal blogger of PERA Inc.  who loves to travel and discover new places with her 12 year old son. A true believer that life must be celebrated every single day!