The purpose of life is to live it;
to taste experience to the utmost;
to reach out eagerly and without fear
for newer and richer experience.

– Eleanor Roosevelt

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." -William Arthur Ward

Choose being kind over being right, and you will be right every time. -- Richard Carlson

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only
plan, but also believe." -Anatole France

How to Trigger a Meltdown

Nagging
Pushing for desired response
Criticize everything the pupil does
Don't provide any suggestions for improvement.
Take away something that's important
Physically force compliance with requested action.
Don't give choices

Ask me how I know. Sigh.

Temporary rewards can bring permanent change.

By Gareth Cook


Choose a specific, positive behavior. “Have at least three bites of a vegetable every dinner for a week.’’ (Good.) “Don’t annoy me.’’ (Not good.)

Choose smart rewards. Work with your kid to choose the prize, investing them and ensuring it’s one they truly desire. A few selections from the LEGO catalog were all it took me to solve an Olympian parenting problem: thumb sucking. But a reward need not be large.

Stay positive. In our house, we call them “challenges.’’ It is not about “fixing’’ a negative. Don’t nag. Let it be their choice. Pile on the praise.

Small steps first. Faced with an overwhelming task, start with easy goals, and small rewards, and slowly build. So, you might start with “avoid thumb one day between breakfast and nap.’’ Consider a detailed progress chart.

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -- Voltaire

We have a collective responsibility to the least of us. - Phil Ramone

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap,
but by the seeds that you plant.

-- Robert Louis Stevenson