In a single dose of children's television, I was bombarded with themes of mutants, cyborgs, evolving and the digital world. These words intimidated me at first, until I learned what the shows were talking about. I wondered how this prepares children for living in the 21st century. The answer hit me when I came across the saying, "Don't Clone...Mutate."
For those not familiar with the new language, a few definitions are in order. A clone is an exact replica of the original source. Clones are trained to mindlessly conform. Success and failure are based on how well the clone conforms rather than on the clone's accomplishments and abilities. A mutant is someone or something that has changed from the original source. Mutants are evaluated on their abilities and accomplishments.
In raising children, some parents behave as if training clones. There are some ways to tell if one is raising clones.
The way to stop 'cloning' is to train children to mutate. 'To mutate' means to be able to adjust to change, to be flexible or resilient, to become an individual. Some of the steps parents can take to 'individuate' or 'mutate' are:
Raising children to change and adapt to change is threatening to some parents, because it emphasizes responsibility rather than control. Adapting to changes means taking the risk of 'letting go' of some of the control. I often use the metaphor that it is easier to steer a car in motion, than one sitting still. Likewise, it is easier to direct your children when they are trying new things, than when they are behaving like a robot.
About The Author
Jeffrey D. Murrah is The Results-Oriented Therapist specializing in marriage and family conflicts. Visit www.restorethefamily.com to sign up for his free newsletter.
Culver prom limo ..As a mom of 4 who's youngest child is about... Read More
How on earth can you help your family cope with... Read More
What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More
As a mother of two sets of fraternal boy/girl twins,... Read More
It's the first day of the summer holiday. Five year-old... Read More
Anyone can splurge on a formal dinner or a pricey... Read More
Something happened the other day that made me feel uneasy.... Read More
There is nothing quite like hiking with small children. The... Read More
It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change... Read More
People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More
My daughters and I went to the beach several weeks... Read More
If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical,... Read More
All children will likely have many different health problems during... Read More
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid... Read More
Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do... Read More
Puberty can be a difficult time for children. Not quite... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
Many families, ours included, have learned that breakfast is eaten... Read More
What is the mystery of motherhood? I know that when... Read More
All babies cry, but if yours cries a lot, isn't... Read More
Although it might seem pretty corny to a lot of... Read More
"I WON'T DO IT!" "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"Whether parent or... Read More
Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike,... Read More
Paula's last child had just gone off to college and... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..1. Encourage your babysitter by keeping their favorite foods/snacks on... Read More
Many parents seem to be more than a little confused... Read More
Many families do not want to believe their child is... Read More
A fun way to build your child's imaginationWriting is still... Read More
Do you praise your child when he fulfils a basic... Read More
I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More
People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More
Best friends! It may seem impossible to believe, but today's... Read More
Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
When it's time to put your child into a daycare... Read More
There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More
'Whose room is it anyway?'If you have a teenager, you're... Read More
Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More
Would you hand a child calculus problems once she was... Read More
Maryann is so focused she's blind. She's slipped over the... Read More
Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More
In June, elementary school children across North America cheered as... Read More
Information is gold when you are adopted. Every tiny piece... Read More
Boredom, limited space and overflowing energy are a source of... Read More
I don't know how people raise daughters because I have... Read More
Many public schools not only fail to educate our children,... Read More
Suppose that you rearrange your life to homeschool your child... Read More
This article on parenting is by a practicing relationship counsellor/therapist,... Read More
Parenting |