The ABCs of Parenting Bright Children, Part 2

If you read my last blog, you know that I try to keep my stuff organized. I like to go through my old units looking for things that need to be used. Last blog I started the ABC’s of Parenting Bright Children. This was a list that was compiled by KIDS Work Studios and presented in a workshop that I attended back in 2000. So, here is the rest of the alphabet…

M-Make time to talk quietly with your child when there has been a disciplinary lapse, whether at home, at school, or in a social situation.

N-Never try to argue through discussions. Bright children are usually strong-willed and have a well-developed sense of duty.

O-Offer them choices. Encourage in them the ability to make decisions.

P-Plan time to be together with your kids. Listen to what they have to say. It isn’t as much what you do for them, as what you do with them.

Q-Provide quite challenging things to do with your child. Expand those interests and open new horizons.

R-Encourage respect and common courtesy for others. Being bright is no excuse for bad manners.

S-Set a good example of being a worthy person.

T-Treat your child’s teachers with the utmost respect and admiration. Teachers and Parents should have common goals and may employ different methods to achieve them.

U-Utilize better ways of showing your child when phrasing a question or making a suggestion if needed. For example, never say, "That’s a dumb idea; I have a better one!" Say instead, "Would this be a good idea?"

V-Value you child's talents and creativity. "Multiple Intelligences" by Howard Gardner help children to realize the many different ways they can be smart.

W-Work on respecting your child and his or her knowledge. Be open minded and ready to listen.

X-Extend your knowledge base by brushing up on giftedness by reading books, attending seminars, and exposing yourself to new areas of expertise.

Y-Yearn to keep a level head and a sense of humor. Though your child is smart, there is always someone smarter. Remember, everyone is a genius at something.

Z-Zip through life with the satisfaction of knowing you are doing your best, although the joys of excellence are tempered by frustrations with school, lack of understanding by many and the fact that your bright child(ren) will keep you busier than you could ever imagine!

Above all, have fun with your children! Laugh often and look for the silver lining in every situation. It is a great thing when you can laugh at yourself. This lets your children know that you are not always perfect. Perfection is a topic for another blog! As is the apple not falling too far from the tree!

Happy Parenting!