Keep Calm and Correct

Failure is NOT an option...I am starting to think through altering this phrase to look more like that regarding my perspective on parenting.

Don't we sometimes (or, most times) base our approval of our kids on whether they are succeeding or failing in measurable ways?  We are conditioned to do it because we all like to see measurable results and I am all for that...we need to make sure they are progressing and "making the grade"....gaining knowledge.  It is so easy for me to get frustrated when my children don't post the grades I hope for them because I held my academics in high regard and always tried to get A's and make the most of every opportunity for extra credit....BUT, I am learning that not all kids are like I was...and it is highly possible that my recollection of how "highly academic" I was in school is now a little fuzzy :)

It is not as though I am suggesting we encourage our kids to fail and I am definitely not giving up on stressing the importance of always doing ones best, BUT I am suggesting there is more to a moment of failure than meets the eye.  Sometimes, a failure can help alter a behavior as a child has an opportunity to introspect.  I have a tendency to be a reactive person, so I have to be incredibly intentional to "keep calm and correct"...that is to me....to use a moment of correction as a teachable moment and not to "lose it" and lose the moment (double meaning :) in my frustration. (I am still working on this.)  The thing is, there are moments where a child has lacked knowledge, but there is still the opportunity to gain wisdom and we often bypass that moment.  I think there are some questions to ask our children (and also ourselves when we fail):  1.  What part did you play in this? 2.  What will you do differently next time? 3. What lesson did you learn from this? 4. Is there anything you need to do to address the failure right now?

I want to teach my kids how to handle the situations that come their way by somehow replacing nagging and nit-picking (Brad, don't you like that word choice :) with instructing and inspiring.  I really like this quote and I hope to reinforce this to my kids as they grow up, learn....and sometimes, fail.

That Chan....he always packs a punch! :)

Oh, I know....how about some Toby Mac to Get Back Up again :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX5OqyBYKh4