In "The Most Powerful Question A Parent Can Ask..." by Neil Millar, the author questions whether in the long run, the situation in a typical home is beneficial to the children. In "Be-ers and Doers" by Budge Wilson, an overbearing mother wants the best for her children, but only based on her ideals. The approach of the parents in "The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask..." is more respectful towards the children.
Driven by the resentment of having a "be-er" husband the mother in the story "Be-ers and Do-ers" strives to make Albert into the "perfect son", "a fast-moving doer". Thinking she has his best interests at heart as many mothers do, she raises him to be the person she wants him to be rather than who he was born to be. Instead of encouragement towards Albert when he brings home his report card, his mother tells him that she is going to "light a fire under his feet" for he is so lazy. She is unaware of the consequences her actions will bring. Albert grows strong resentment towards his mother and had she shown him more respect he could of developed into his own person and thus been a more pleasant, independent adult.
Millar writes a very different story, in the “The Most Powerful Question a Parent Can Ask...” Millar explains the connection between work ethics and responsibility to how a child will grow up. Responsibilities are necessary for children to develop into independent adults. He also says that a mindful parent can ask their child to take part in chores, to not only share the load but improve their disposition for the future. Proof supplied is a "Maasai tribe leader appointed a seven year old girl as the person in charge of two-thirds of his village’s wealth," which shows that children are very capable of working. Also, a chart is provided showing kids that work a short amount of hours get better marks in school. Millar depicts a very respectful way in which children should be raised.
Through the assessment of these works it is apparent that raising your child to have responsibilities and independence is the more respectful approach. Trying to make you child into the person you want them to be rather than who they are meant to be will only result in an unhealthy relationship and resentment.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Letter of concern
January 19, 2010
678 Wiltse Blvd.
Penticton, BC
Canda V2A 8P5
Mr. Kleats
Central High School Basketball Coach
123 Main Street
Sportstown, British Columbia
Canada V2A 1W3
Dear Mr. Kleats:
My name is Kathy George. My daughter Audrey is a member of your grade 11 soccer team. Congratulations on your team's overall success in past seasons, though I wish to express some concerns.
I understand you busy schedule and appreciate you volunteering to couch the girls. As they are lacking in discipline to start on their own, your late arrival causes them to miss out on available practice time. I think it would be very useful for you to acquire someone to help start things off as you are very busy. If need be I am willing to offer my time as an assistant coach.
The girls are quite young and I find my daughter coming home with energy left to burn. Practice could be more strenuous to prepare the girls for game time situations. If you just send them out for a few laps at the end I feel it would improve their endurance and strength as running is a very important aspect to soccer.
I am very involved in my daughters extra curricular activities and after attending some practices it is my opinion that they could be more organized. I know girls can be very easily side tracked as they seem to find endless things to tell one another and could use a more structured practice. Separating them into smaller groups might help to form more organized sessions.
Young girls are often quite sensitive and I have observed a better response to calm instruction and encouragement. Although winning is important and a good goal, the girls who spend majority of time on the bench become overwhelmed when given the chance to play. More equal playing time could benefit your team in the long run as the subs would have a more positive contribution.
I thank you for taking the time to read my letter and hope you will consider my concerns and suggestions. I would appreciate it if you would inform me of any feedback you receive from the team and I am open to further disscussion.
Sincerely,
________________________
Ms. George
678 Wiltse Blvd.
Penticton, BC
Canda V2A 8P5
Mr. Kleats
Central High School Basketball Coach
123 Main Street
Sportstown, British Columbia
Canada V2A 1W3
Dear Mr. Kleats:
My name is Kathy George. My daughter Audrey is a member of your grade 11 soccer team. Congratulations on your team's overall success in past seasons, though I wish to express some concerns.
I understand you busy schedule and appreciate you volunteering to couch the girls. As they are lacking in discipline to start on their own, your late arrival causes them to miss out on available practice time. I think it would be very useful for you to acquire someone to help start things off as you are very busy. If need be I am willing to offer my time as an assistant coach.
The girls are quite young and I find my daughter coming home with energy left to burn. Practice could be more strenuous to prepare the girls for game time situations. If you just send them out for a few laps at the end I feel it would improve their endurance and strength as running is a very important aspect to soccer.
I am very involved in my daughters extra curricular activities and after attending some practices it is my opinion that they could be more organized. I know girls can be very easily side tracked as they seem to find endless things to tell one another and could use a more structured practice. Separating them into smaller groups might help to form more organized sessions.
Young girls are often quite sensitive and I have observed a better response to calm instruction and encouragement. Although winning is important and a good goal, the girls who spend majority of time on the bench become overwhelmed when given the chance to play. More equal playing time could benefit your team in the long run as the subs would have a more positive contribution.
I thank you for taking the time to read my letter and hope you will consider my concerns and suggestions. I would appreciate it if you would inform me of any feedback you receive from the team and I am open to further disscussion.
Sincerely,
________________________
Ms. George
Monday, January 4, 2010
Role models.
It is very apparent that other people influence our lives. In society, successful individuals are usually portrayed as role models. Although the term role model carries a positive connotation the definition itself does not specify. A role model is any person who serves as an example, whose behaviour is emulated by others. Role models are often attained as a child but can be carried through adolescence and even last during adulthood.
A male child's role model is often someone who has a heroic appeal: fireman, police man, soldier, etc. Children gawk at men in these positions as they fight fires and face bad guys. They also see these men being praised and learn early on that what they do is good and honorable. For a young female, the role model stereotype changes. Often it is a women with extreme beauty, but not always. Little girls look up to the hero's as well but are often persuaded by parents and friends to worship the supermodel, or pageant queen.
These influences can be both positive and negative. To some young males, the typical role model may be unattainable and looses glory with age. Although it may encourage them to live healthy lifestyles and grow big and strong, it is important that they also become aware that it is not all smiles and happy endings. Some will grow up and be exactly what they admired as children but others ideas of what is important to them will change. They may aspire to be scientists or teachers instead of the stereotype and that is perfectly acceptable. The role model that is thrust upon them at such a young age can be so damaging to moral and their perspective on life.
For girls, role models can be especially dangerous. The size 0 body type isn't healthy for majority of women and can be ultimately deadly to pursue. Pageants influence world knowledge and travel but have many more negative aspects to young girls who strive to be queen. The pearly white teeth, perfect tan, flawless skin and thick healthy hair don't come naturally. Try explaining that to a young teen going through puberty. Females develop unhealthy body images and extremely bad eating habits due to these standards being shoved in their faces their entire upbringing.
Right from the start with Barbi dolls and G.I. Joe action figures role models begin to influence us. Be it negative or positive our lives and perspectives are altered.
A male child's role model is often someone who has a heroic appeal: fireman, police man, soldier, etc. Children gawk at men in these positions as they fight fires and face bad guys. They also see these men being praised and learn early on that what they do is good and honorable. For a young female, the role model stereotype changes. Often it is a women with extreme beauty, but not always. Little girls look up to the hero's as well but are often persuaded by parents and friends to worship the supermodel, or pageant queen.
These influences can be both positive and negative. To some young males, the typical role model may be unattainable and looses glory with age. Although it may encourage them to live healthy lifestyles and grow big and strong, it is important that they also become aware that it is not all smiles and happy endings. Some will grow up and be exactly what they admired as children but others ideas of what is important to them will change. They may aspire to be scientists or teachers instead of the stereotype and that is perfectly acceptable. The role model that is thrust upon them at such a young age can be so damaging to moral and their perspective on life.
For girls, role models can be especially dangerous. The size 0 body type isn't healthy for majority of women and can be ultimately deadly to pursue. Pageants influence world knowledge and travel but have many more negative aspects to young girls who strive to be queen. The pearly white teeth, perfect tan, flawless skin and thick healthy hair don't come naturally. Try explaining that to a young teen going through puberty. Females develop unhealthy body images and extremely bad eating habits due to these standards being shoved in their faces their entire upbringing.
Right from the start with Barbi dolls and G.I. Joe action figures role models begin to influence us. Be it negative or positive our lives and perspectives are altered.
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