My dearest friend sent me an email today with the file attached called "The Essential 55" by Ron Clark with the note "to teach your son:)" Thank you very much Auntie Kookie! I found it very interesting to read and some of the rules I believe I would want us to adopt for our son and our future kids. I don't just want for Sandon to grow up a happy and healthy person, but at the same time a decent man with great manners and positive outlook in life. I have chosen my favorite 10 rules that I believe should be our Master Rules. :) I will type a rule and then explanation WHY? I have chosen those specific rules out of 55!
1. When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying "Yes ma'am" or "No Sir". Just nodding your head or saying any other form of yes or no is not acceptable.
I always admired children who have great manners and understanding that there is difference and always has to be somewhat distance between an adult and a child.
2. Always say thank you when I give you something. If you do not say it within 3 seconds after receiving the item, I will take it back. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation.
Quite often I started to notice that more and more children started to take things they have got for granted. Everything is earned and always has to be appreciated.
3. When we go on trips or meet our family, we will meet different people. When I introduce you to people, make sure that you remember their names. Then, when we are leaving, make sure to shake their hands and thank them, mentioning their names as you do so.
I just believe that this trait will help Sandon to get along easier with people and plus earn respect. Sometimes I just hate not remembering names of the people I meet and then I try to find a way getting to know it without disrespecting them, especially when they remember my name! :)
4. Stand up for what you believe in. You shouldn't take no for an answer if your heart and mind are leading you in a direction you feel strongly about.
I never want for our kids to be a pushover. You always have to pursue your dreams, your passion and your desires.
5. Be Positive and enjoy life. Some things just aren't worth getting upset over. Keep everything in perspective and focus on the good in your life.
There is no place for negativity in our lives. Having negative outlook in life never helps, but makes it even more miserable than it was at the first place. Positive thoughts always help in everything!
6. Live so that you will never have regrets. If there is something you want to do, do it! Never let fear, doubt, or other obstacles stand in your way. If there is something you want, fight for it with all of your heart. If there is something you want to do, go for it and don't stop until you make it happen. If there is something you want to be, do whatever is necessary in order to live that dream.
It is pretty much self- explanatory above.
7. Accept that you are going to make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.
Just because you make a mistake it doesn't mean you are a failure. I remember how my mom always told me that don't do this or do that, because I am older and I am wiser. I know more than you do. Possibly she was right, BUT I always wanted to make my own decisions. If it was a wrong one and turned out to be a complete disaster. At least I could have said it was my mistake and I learnt from it and it will never happen again. Never allow anyone to influence your decisions.
8. No matter what the circumstances, always be honest. Even if you have done something wrong, it is best to admit it to me, because I will respect that, and oftentimes I will forget any disciplinary measures because of your honesty.
I agree about that. If Sandon will be honest with me, I would so appreciate that, that possibly will not even punish him. Admittance already is half way to forgiveness and him truly understanding that he did something wrong.
9. Carpe diem. You only live today once, so don't waste it. Life is made up for special moments, many of which happen when caution is thrown to the wind and people take action and seize the day.
In other words, risk it! I always take risks and quite many. Most of them paid off. Life is too short to play safe.
10. Be the best person you can be.
OR just be yourself. Don't change something in yourself to satisfy someone, but yourself. Let people accept you the way you are.
1. When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying "Yes ma'am" or "No Sir". Just nodding your head or saying any other form of yes or no is not acceptable.
I always admired children who have great manners and understanding that there is difference and always has to be somewhat distance between an adult and a child.
2. Always say thank you when I give you something. If you do not say it within 3 seconds after receiving the item, I will take it back. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation.
Quite often I started to notice that more and more children started to take things they have got for granted. Everything is earned and always has to be appreciated.
3. When we go on trips or meet our family, we will meet different people. When I introduce you to people, make sure that you remember their names. Then, when we are leaving, make sure to shake their hands and thank them, mentioning their names as you do so.
I just believe that this trait will help Sandon to get along easier with people and plus earn respect. Sometimes I just hate not remembering names of the people I meet and then I try to find a way getting to know it without disrespecting them, especially when they remember my name! :)
4. Stand up for what you believe in. You shouldn't take no for an answer if your heart and mind are leading you in a direction you feel strongly about.
I never want for our kids to be a pushover. You always have to pursue your dreams, your passion and your desires.
5. Be Positive and enjoy life. Some things just aren't worth getting upset over. Keep everything in perspective and focus on the good in your life.
There is no place for negativity in our lives. Having negative outlook in life never helps, but makes it even more miserable than it was at the first place. Positive thoughts always help in everything!
6. Live so that you will never have regrets. If there is something you want to do, do it! Never let fear, doubt, or other obstacles stand in your way. If there is something you want, fight for it with all of your heart. If there is something you want to do, go for it and don't stop until you make it happen. If there is something you want to be, do whatever is necessary in order to live that dream.
It is pretty much self- explanatory above.
7. Accept that you are going to make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.
Just because you make a mistake it doesn't mean you are a failure. I remember how my mom always told me that don't do this or do that, because I am older and I am wiser. I know more than you do. Possibly she was right, BUT I always wanted to make my own decisions. If it was a wrong one and turned out to be a complete disaster. At least I could have said it was my mistake and I learnt from it and it will never happen again. Never allow anyone to influence your decisions.
8. No matter what the circumstances, always be honest. Even if you have done something wrong, it is best to admit it to me, because I will respect that, and oftentimes I will forget any disciplinary measures because of your honesty.
I agree about that. If Sandon will be honest with me, I would so appreciate that, that possibly will not even punish him. Admittance already is half way to forgiveness and him truly understanding that he did something wrong.
9. Carpe diem. You only live today once, so don't waste it. Life is made up for special moments, many of which happen when caution is thrown to the wind and people take action and seize the day.
In other words, risk it! I always take risks and quite many. Most of them paid off. Life is too short to play safe.
10. Be the best person you can be.
OR just be yourself. Don't change something in yourself to satisfy someone, but yourself. Let people accept you the way you are.
2 comments:
Oh these are so right! And I am going to start practising them on my 6 year old brother, and I will let you know how it goes! You are raising sandon up to be a lovely boy, again, I am so proud of you :)
wow i like those rules very good and very productive in the upbringing of a child. right on. i love you vera very much .
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