“Not the cry, but the flight of the wild duck, leads the flock to fly and follow.”
(Chinese Proverb)

As parents, we sometimes feel as if it is our job to get our kids to do certain things. The reality is, our job is much more interesting, and much more 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. You behave with utmost integrity and 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 confidence 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.

(Want a quick & easy read on this subject? Buy my new book, Choose Your Own Adulthood, just for you. It’s all about the choices true adults make, and I know it’s helping me be a better grownup.)

Peace begins with pause,