July 4th festivities are underway this week! This means time for family, friends, food, fun, and fellowship. Which leads me to this weeks topic about influencers. Who are those other adults that are influencers in your children’s lives? Family? Friends?When you think about the other adults and peers that are around your children what level of influence do they have? Is there influence positive or negative?
Depending on the age of your child you are your child’s biggest influence. As they age and participate in more activities in school and outside the home they are exposed to things that are different then what you teach at home. While you cannot control everything that they do outside the home, you can know what they do outside the home by being informed about who is involved and facilitating activities they are participating in and asking questions. Asking questions and being informed shows you care.
Peer pressure is a challenge that many children face, which can sway children in a positive or negative direction. You have to trust that you have instilled in them the necessary foundation for making right decisions concerning morals and values, knowing the difference between right and wrong. Know who your children’s friends are. Knowing the parents of your children’s friends is important as well. Many times we want to fault the children for their bad behavior, but we must trace that back to the parents and look at their influence. Extend grace and be the positive example and influence necessary in the lives of your children and their peers. Now let’s be clear that common sense is not that common as one would have you believe, nor does parenting come with a handbook. Common sense has to be taught, just as much as critical thinking or parenting in some aspects. Questioning is always a great way to gain information and understand the thought process for critical thinking and common sense direction.
Think about the adults and your child’s peers, what influence can you exert to ensure your children are handled with care? What actions can you take to ensure appropriate handling and care is extended to your children by other adults? Be informed and alert with the people you have around your children. Think about their lives and what they have reproduced, what message are they sending? Many times children are inquisitive and want to know more about new things. Be sure to ask them questions and take advantage of the opportunities for clarification in the midst of the conversation. Listening is the key!
Here’s a link for the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge where there’s tools and resources for you and your child for reading! http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2014
Quintessential Knowledge 