"Here There be Monsters"

Have you ever tried to teach someone something you don't practice yourself? It isn't an easy task, is it? While explaining, an important tip is making sure your child is relaxing while listening to the lesson. This cannot happen if your child is so uptight other issues are prioritized. How can you teach your child how to relax while learning? Everyone is aware the majority of learning comes from watching and listening. The same goes for what your child learns from you. Are you on the edge when you come home from work and the tension only escalates? This is not a good learning environment.

In Pirates of the Caribbean, Barbossa stands tall when he announces, "Here there be monsters." This isn't the type of phrase to get anyone in a cuddly mood. But the same goes for teaching your child. If you want your child to learn, starting off by criticizing or demeaning him or her will not work. All your child will hear is how disappointed you are. Concentrating on the negativity and repercussions will close the hearing and thinking gates for a while, making it impossible to hear what causes your unhappiness and how to improve.

You and your child are a team. You're on the same side, playing against the same "bad guys" and you need to voice as much. Explain why you have concerns, what the consequences may be if the lesson isn't learned, and then the gleaming rewards of doing the task correctly. (Keep in mind, there's no suggestion of bribery here, just a simple hug, a smile, and a thank you are enough.)

A few times of handling difficult situations will not only make your child's day brighter, but you'll feel better too. Now, go outside and  play!

Photo: Wallpapers Wide, (2009-2013)
           http://wallpaperswide.com/pirates_of_the_caribbean_on_stranger_tides___barbossa-wallpapers.html