MOB* Mentality Stops Bullying?

Jan 252013
 

OK… that may not have been fair. But a provocative headline might get you to look…. and maybe you’ll share what you find… and….

In this case MOB stands for ‘Moms Opposed to Bullying’ from the blog created by Beth Kohlhoff.

I connected with Beth in response to a wonderful post about workplace bullying. In it she asked ‘why are we waiting until people are grown before we deal with this?’

Delighted that she was focused on ‘raising good grown-ups’ I read on. She writes “I believe we need to address the issue BEFORE our children become loners, shooters, bullies, druggies, preppies, jocks, and all of the other groups that aim at stigmatizing and categorizing our children.”

I like her blog — and I like her plan. If you’re looking for an extensive collection of high-quality links on this topic, Moms Opposed to Bullying is a great place to start.

The Right Person for the Job???

Jan 182013
 

Help Wanted:  Passionate adult to commit to vital mission.  Successful candidate will embrace the mission in 120-hour workweek with no financial compensation.  Must be committed to creating better future for children and care enough to do the hard stuff.  Parents, grandparents, foster parents, babysitters, teachers and coaches may apply.  Preference given to those who apply as a team and are able to remember that “you’re not raising children – you’re raising future adults!”

 Want the job?  Already have it?  Congratulations.  You’re in good company.  The ‘right candidate’ is hardworking, disciplined, giving and refuses to quit – that’s you, isn’t it? And you’re here – looking for ideas and support for the most important job you’ll ever have.

 Most of our material is not based on scientific study – it’s simply a look at vibrant, successful people who are achieving their goals and living their dreams.  More importantly, it’s a look at the ways that they have used some tough lessons from their early years to move closer and closer to their dreams.

 What is it that you want for your kids?  Financial wealth and the freedom it can buy?  Optimism and the ability to get back up one more time?  Physical fitness and healthy dietary habits?  How about a great work ethic?  Passion?  Vision?  Goal setting?

 Negotiating the delicate balance between a strong foundation and lofty ideals isn’t easy…. but that’s part of what sets you apart – the example that you set by backing up your caring with a commitment to learning.

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A Pothole, a Bicycle and a Broken Thought Pattern?

Jan 042013
 
Bad break [Apr 22]

Bad break [Apr 22] (Photo credit: santheo)

So, here I was, minding my own business…. packing to go to a conference. The TV was on in the background. Mistake. Big one. Instead of heading for bed early, here I sit — posting about a pothole.

I have written about parents who volunteer to serve detention (so that their child doesn’t have to) and even about one who drove the get-away car (for a robbery). I think that sometimes ‘extreme’ examples are a good way to learn. And, in these cases I was talking about helping our kids learn to take responsibility for themselves. I thought I’d run out of headlines for ‘inspiration.’ No such luck.

A young Virginia boy was riding his bike and (somehow) hit a pothole, went over the handlebars and broke his wrist. His Mom is suing the city. When asked why the city should be held responsible she replied “Hellooooo.” Really. That was her comment.

Am I missing something here?

Of course I feel sad for any 9-year-old with a broken wrist — it hurts. It’s unfortunate. And I understand feeling angry when my child has suffered an injury. I think those feelings are normal and natural. And of course cities and towns should to their best to make necessary repairs to roads.

Back to kids falling off of bicycles and getting hurt. It happens. Riding a bike and conquering gravity are not easy skills to master. But a broken wrist in not a fatality. Painful? Inconvenient? Scary? Sure. But all actions have consequences. Even driving our bikes through a pothole.

Your thoughts please? Am I being mean? Or is this Mom missing a golden opportunity to teach her child to be more aware of his surroundings and responsible for his own well-being?

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