Do the difficult thing first, but do not stop there. As children, we want to have fun. We want to play. We want to do what is easy, what feels good, and what makes us feel free. We want what we want immediately, with no compromise, and we want to be able to change our…
Tag: parenting
From Specifics To Fundamentals
As parents, teachers, leaders, or mentors, one of our most important and powerful tools we have at our disposal is the object lesson. If we are able to point to and extract from a specific incident, a lesson or principle that applies to a variety of situations or circumstances, and if we are able to…
The Lessons Of Youth
One of the most powerful and long-lasting lessons of my childhood came from being required to do chores around the house before being allowed to go outside to play with my friends. As parents, we want the best for our children. We want them to be kind, decent, and successful. And, we want to provide…
Loving Action (Father’s Day)
Being around is not the same as being present. Love, if it is not some hollow sentiment, is inextricably tied to duty. Love is a promise that requires action in order to be demonstrated, proven, and fulfilled. Love’s claim is a debt owed. It is a pledge of time, both in quantity and quality. It…
Love Is Not Always Convenient
Maturity is the ability to love even when it is inconvenient. As children, our capacity for love is directly tied to our needs and desires. We love those who care for us, who nurture us, and who feed, clothe, and play with us. When our needs or desires are threatened, we amplify or withdraw our…