Images

Dear Parents,

 

About once per week I try to write some words of wisdom, which I hope will be of benefit to you.  Since my own children are adults with their own kids, I've been down this road.  I fully understand how much more difficult it is to implement my advice than to give it, so please don't think I'm trying to pretend that I did all the things I advise.   

This year I'm going to use another book by one of my favorite authors, Dr. Tim Elmore.  His book, Habitudes, uses images to describe a concept in growth and development.  I'll try to provide a summary, although I really hope you will read the whole book.

But first I'd like for you to think of an image that I have often described. Regardless of your child's age, subtract that age from 18. The result is the number of years you have to get him or her ready for independence. By that time he makes his own meals, phone calls, doctor appointments, purchases, has a job, etc.  How can you help your child become more independent during the school year? Maybe it means you won't walk him as far into the building. Maybe it means you'll let him put his own supplies away. Maybe it means you can back off a bit on checking up the work. That may sound scary, but it will happen someday.  Now is the time to begin working in that direction however gradually. If you've been doing more for your child than other parents of children his age, ask yourself what is your exit strategy.  How can you help him move from dependence to independence?  For most of us parents, this move is more difficult for us than it is for our children.

You are welcome to contact me about any policy you don't understand or ask any question to clarify something.  Email is my preferred method of communication, but if you have something that just can't wait, here's my mobile number, (281) 793-2949. If there is someone else better able to answer your question, I'll direct you to that person.  If you have a complaint, obviously I'd prefer that you've spoken to the person directly before contacting me.  I really want to know all students and parents on a first name basis.

Blessings on the school year,

Tim Miesner