The Book of Positive Aspects - Applied to Parenting
I am a big fan of Abraham-Hicks' processes from the book "Ask and it is Given" by Jerry and Esther Hicks. But it was just in the last week it occurred to me I could implement the process, the Book of Positive Aspects in my approach to parenting. It could be a most valuable tool for me as a parent. Like most normal kids, my daughter and son argue sometimes. And occasionally it can get kind of ugly...not physical, just really unpleasant.
First I figured out what I wanted. I want my children to have a loving relationship, so I asked God, how can I get there?
First I figured out what I wanted. I want my children to have a loving relationship, so I asked God, how can I get there?
And this was my inspiration, and WOW! did it ever work?! Instead of giving my children time-outs or sending to them to their rooms, separating them so the argument does not escalate...this is what I did.
I gave them a project. "Instead of separating you," I told them, "I want you BOTH to write down 10 things you like about each other." Well, at first there was a bit of resistance. Matthew needed to do his list twice. That's okay. When they complained at first they couldn't even think of anything, I said "that's okay, you've got two hours until bedtime. Take all the time you need."
Their lists were BEAUTIFUL! Afterward they showed each other their lists, and I was so proud of them. I asked my children afterward, "how do you feel?" They smiled, and they said "I feel really good!" Needless to say I am saving the lists, doing my own, and will use this exercise again in the future.
I gave them a project. "Instead of separating you," I told them, "I want you BOTH to write down 10 things you like about each other." Well, at first there was a bit of resistance. Matthew needed to do his list twice. That's okay. When they complained at first they couldn't even think of anything, I said "that's okay, you've got two hours until bedtime. Take all the time you need."
Their lists were BEAUTIFUL! Afterward they showed each other their lists, and I was so proud of them. I asked my children afterward, "how do you feel?" They smiled, and they said "I feel really good!" Needless to say I am saving the lists, doing my own, and will use this exercise again in the future.
