I was principal of an elementary school and now I am a college professor. I agree totally with the article. Elementary parents hover over their children often too much and destroy their ability to make choices and decisions on their own. Every minute rhe students are involved in school work and outside activities after school.
Arma Hartof AR3:55PM March 07, 2012
very good article. i have tried to follow this philosophy in raising my 3 children but it is very tough not to protect your child from making the wrong decisions when you know what kind of potential they possess to be successful if they just do what you know they should do. when i think i am crossing that line of "helping out" too much, i try to remind myself that "the absolute WORSE thing you can do for your child, is ANYTHING they can do for themselves".
jerralyn winstonof GA5:30PM September 28, 2011
I'm learning this lesson right now. Daughter is a senior. I have backed off of bedtime this year. No more morning wake ups. I jumpstarted the college app process for her, but she has to follow through andfinish. It's hard when you're dealing with a procrastinating child, but if she misses deadlines, it will be a disappointment for me, but a painful lesson for her. But that will belong to her and will be her road, not mine. I went through this with one son 10 years ago. He has yet to fully recover from his senior year decisions and inaction.
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Arma Hart of AR 3:55PM March 07, 2012
jerralyn winston of GA 5:30PM September 28, 2011
K of FL 7:18PM September 14, 2011