Not A Book Review: Teach Your Children Well

[Lisa Dewey Wells]

I've been stealing time wherever possible to complete Madeline Levine's new book Teach Your Children Well.  It's one of those rare books that spoke to me a teacher, parent and lover-of-a-good narrative.  Many of my friends listened as I updated them over the course of my reading; some asked for the Cliff Notes.  I did consider writing a review, but decided parents should just get a copy and plunge into it.

So this is NOT a book review. Or is it...?

Levine's savvy advice and matter of fact tone give pause to the rat-race that parenting can (and has) become.   Peer pressure  is not just an issue for our kids, but for parents.   Levine challenges parents to reconsider the urge to keep up with our own peer group and American culture which generally includes fixing things, giving kids every opportunity to be tops, and sometimes giving up on what makes us "us"  - all in the name of good parenting.

The reality is that we cannot "give" that type of success to our kids nor should we project our hopes and expectations on them.  We can honor the person they are, have an awareness of what the seminal tasks are at each stage of development and coach our kids (and others) to make good choices given a reasonable set of opportunities. And when necessary, watch as they problem-solve and learn to accept failure and mistakes.

It's here where the rubber meets the road - where children get to try in age appropriate and safe ways to see what happens when they make choices or to fix things when they start to slip. Then to feel the satisfaction that comes with resourcefulness and self-confidence, to manage the negative emotions that often accompany such "failures" and collect life experience that will prepare them for the complexities which lie ahead.   So many parents get uncomfortable at this stage, myself included.  So uncomfortable that they become the fixers or the console-ers who inadvertently foster a false sense of reality or self-esteem, rather than arming kids with tools they need to be accustomed to being imperfect and adaptive in a world full of challenges and changes.

Levine further provokes readers to check their own values and action to think more clearly about what will truly help kids become independent, well-adjusted and content young people who can solve problems, care of others and act responsibly.  We all know that is easier said than done.  It takes courage, a bit of knowledge (some imparted here, some you'll cull on your own), faith, and a willingness to be open to outcomes which may honor your child's strengths and dreams more than your own.  That last one hurts sometimes.  We all hold dreams for our kids, but when you really listen to and know your child, it's better for everyone if you relinquish your hopes and help your child pursue his passions.

Want to read more? The entire post can be found on my blog, Wonder of Children.