Fathers share wisdom and wit on positive parenting

I always encouraged my children to think for themselves, and I tried to avoid giving a lot of direct advice. One instance I remember, when I didn’t give direct advice but nevertheless had an impact, occurred when we were living in Australia on sabbatical. Our eldest, Emily, was 17 and thoroughly enjoying all the greasy food and sweets that Melbourne offered. I finally said to her, “I can’t believe that someone as intelligent as you eats the way you do!” Since I was almost never critical of her behavior, this shook her. After some study in the library, she decided that vegetarians had it right and she has been a vegetarian ever since.

I would advise all fathers to spend as much quality time as possible with their children, set a positive example by respecting them as individuals, and give them as much responsibility as they can handle. Decisions they make for themselves will stay with them.

Full article (North Forty News)