Under the Microscope

I've noted before that, as is obvious, our kids are always watching us. They may go to school or day care during the day, but we are their first and primary teachers. When they react to events, the way they view the world, their methods of coping with things are all going to be our reactions and views and methods, at least at first.

So we have to be on our best behavior. And it's not always easy.

I found this article by Janet Lansbury, who teaches parenting classes, about the importance of teaching our kids by example - of raising them with social intelligence. It's a great piece and I would love for you to check it out and tell me what you think about it.  Have you done the things she suggests?  If not, what do you do instead? If so, what has or hasn't worked for you?

Seeing Is Believing?

I came across something yesterday about imparting religious or spiritual beliefs to our kids that really resonated with me.  As many of you know, I follow the blog "Single Dad Laughing" (SDL).  Well, yesterday, he posted an excerpt from his book, The Real Dad Rules, about how to share our beliefs with our kids. His thesis is that you shouldn't teach your kids what to believe - you should teach them how to believe.

I discussed this issue when we were examining Robert Epstein's article about what makes a good parent, and his top 10 areas of parental competency, which included religion. I discussed why I disagreed with that in the post, "Losing My Religion," but I also shared a viewpoint similar to SDL's. If you haven't had a chance to check out that post, please do.