The Perfect Childhood: Why It's Bad for Kids (page 4 of 4)

Keeping in Close Touch

By giving up the myth of the perfect childhood, we may gain something better -- the good childhood. Tameka Watkins, of Daphne, Alabama, for example, seems to have a natural aptitude for parenting. She sits with her ten-year-old son, Cornelious -- nicknamed C.D. -- each night as he tackles his homework, but she doesn't do it for him. When he tells her what he's learning, she listens with interest. A report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress found that students like C.D. who discuss their studies at home have higher average reading scores. The opportunity to talk about and reflect on what he knows will serve this honor student well through his school years.

While C.D. helps his mother clear the table, they talk about what's on his mind. Some nights it's his dream of being a police officer. Tameka encourages her son's "what if" thinking, his vision for the future, and ties it to current achievements. "You know, the police have to solve problems," she might tell him, "just like you did in science class." And when he visits his mom at her job as an exercise technician, her sunny professionalism sets an example of fulfillment in a self-chosen task.

Tameka is what Robert Brooks calls "a charismatic adult," someone who helps the child learn significant things about himself. "Children gather inner strength and a resilient mind-set from this affectionate notice," he says.

Not overly praised, not overprotected, not constantly rescued -- but listened to, understood and supported, C.D. is receiving the best possible gift of childhood from his mom. It's the chance to be himself.

From Reader's Digest - September 2005

 

•  

• 6 Ways to Tame Kids' Clutter
• Has your child's mess taken over your home? Follow these steps to tame the clutter.
• 
• 8 Steps to De-Cluttering Your Garage
• Organize your garage with these easy tips.
• 
• 7 Quick Ways to Organize Your Child's Closet
• Customize a closet for your little one with these handy tips.
• 
• Is My Child Normal Index Page
• 
• Fixing America's Schools: 2 Schools, 1 Big Idea
• Big ideas from New Mexico and Tennessee could transform America's classrooms.
• 
• Obesity: A Childhood Epidemic
• Learn the facts about this alarming trend, and find out how you can help your kids eat healthier and get moving.
• 
• Make Your Kids Money Managers
• Try these exercises from Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad."
• 
• Raising a Computer-Smart Kid
• Find out how home computers -- used the right way -- can speed up learning for your child.
• 
• Face Value
• Kelley Sperry was bullied and teased for the way she looks. Then she found true friends.
• 
• When Your Child Hates School
• Some of the most common reasons kids hate school -- and strategies to put them back on the road to success.
•