You Can Do It
Tantrum. See the spoons around the high chair? Art parents need a lot of space. Luckily we had room for this outdoors.
This was inspired by a bug. I forget the title.
These sculptures show one of the many forms of encouragement — the silent type. The act of displaying your child’s work is encouragement. “Tantrum” is permanently installed. I love it. Notice the spoons all around it? It’s back by the clothesline and chicken coop, still visible from the pond. “Tantrum” is original, unusual and expressive.
Kristen, an art major, says to us, “You’re good art parents,” which translates to us NOT saying, “Sweetie, How are you going to make money majoring in art?”
Encouragement can mean keeping quiet.
Encouragement is the act of giving courage. We most need courage when we are on the journey of working towards a goal, when we have an idea, a dream. That is when parents can use the four most powerful words in the English language: You can do it.
Kristen can make a living as an artist. She is following her passion, with our encouragement.
Encouragement is the most powerful form of discipline. The root of discipline is “disciple,” which means to teach, not to punish. The most powerful way to teach children is by encouragement. Parents think children must suffer to learn. NOT! The most effective way to influence them is by encouragement. Catch them being good, in the act of doing what you want. Encouragement is specific and low-key. It can be quiet.
Praise is the evil twin of encouragement. Praise can only be given upon completion of a goal. Praise is all about how it makes the parents/teacher/boss look. Praise is high-energy and general. It’s sickening and sugar-sweet. Praise is extrinsic, versus encouragement, which is intrinsic.
A bug provided inspiration for the white piece. Kristen welded the frame, hand-sewed material over it and lit it up from within. That’s a tremendous amount of work, skill, creativity, risk and courage. I’m displaying it for the summer in the living room. It looks neat at night when lit up from inside.
Kristen can make a living from being an artist. I have confidence in her. Displaying her art says, “You can do it.”
Tags: discipline, good parenting advice, helpful tips for parents, how to raise children, self esteem
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