Be careful of rules for your children.
Rules diminish responsibility.
Be careful of rewards for your children.
Rewards diminish self-esteem.
Be careful of punishments for your children.
Punishments diminish trust.
Let lessons be imposed by the nature of things, not by your own agendas or your own needs.
Integrity will replace rules.
Contentment will replace striving.
Spirituality will replace religion.
Songs will replace arguments.
Dances will replace battles.
William Martin, The Parents Tao Te Ching
… will write this out for myself to pin on the wall.
I will use my favourite pencil and some good solid paper. Or maybe just plain copy paper.
:)
Thanks once again for taking the time to share.
How beautiful! Totally reflects what I truely believe. Now to apply it at all times… that’s another story I have to work on!
I liked reading this again this morning…helping to frame my view of some happenings here this weekend. reminding me of my own (less than perfect) attitude, and that even though I don’t actively punish, sometimes my behaviour (withdrawing attention or interest when I’m upset with my child) can definitely be felt as punishing. Something for me to think about. Keeping my unconditionality present when it’s most nbeeded by my child.
I would like to find this book. It looks very inspirational. It reminds me a little of “Everyday Blessings” by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn…have you read that one? I love to pick it up, especially after several months have passed, and my kids have grown to new ways of being…
Wonderful – thank you. This one’s going up on the wall and will be a reminder for my usually lovely partner who frequently disagrees with my ‘gentle discipline’ approach with our two year old!
Love it, thank you Annie. :)
this is the perfect thing to read as i navigate mothering an 18 month old, curious and clever little man.
this is lovely.
I just looked… This book is at my library. Picking it up tomorrow.
Thanks Annie!
Lovin’ that picture too!!
Yes, yes, yes. Beautiful and so right. Thanks for sharing this because it is now in my life.
Oh, oh, oh … I love this SO much.