A Great Example of Parental Leadership
Just got this email and wanted to share it with you. Thanks “A” for sending it and yes, I certainly want you to keep me posted on your progress . . . B
Good morning! (Super busy day in my ER patient access life and yes it is now 4:35pm)…
Thank you for your words of encouragement and speedy reply. That really made me smile.
I am about half-way through Green Beans & Ice Cream. I read a little, chew on it, pray about it and ask God to show me how I can genuinely apply it to my ENTIRE LIFE.
If you’ll indulge me just a bit…
I am a mother of three males (I used to say boys but now my twins are nearing 30 and my youngest is almost 18). The youngest just got his learner’s permit 8/18/15. My life = We drive…A LOT!!
After almost a month of driving and my incessant “coaching” it hit me that I was louder with my coaching than I was with my “great jobs”…
So two nights ago before we set out to drive I said to my son “I believe you are ready for more. I won’t be coaching every minute of the drive. I believe you are smart enough and have shown me enough skill that I just want you to focus on two things. I had his attention at “smart enough” J…
I want you to focus on SAFETY; the safety of you, me, animals, children, other drivers, property, etc…When we drive you keep us safe!
I want you to use critical forward thinking when you are making decisions. What I mean by that is if you are merging into traffic and you have 10 miles before you need a lane change act like it. But if you are merging into traffic and you have to cross three lanes in a short amount of time to position yourself for a left turn I need your to critically assess your needs BEFORE you pull out.
He stated he understood. I had him regurgitate it back to me so that I would KNOW he understood. This trip would be different, there would be no zapping!
1.75 hours later including a trip through the busiest intersection and parking at a parked Red Lobster eatery…SUCCESS.
The only time he heard from me was a praise as he took a corner SAFELY or as he merged onto the interstate and had to quickly maneuver into a middle lane to avoid being stuck in a right turn only exit. WOOHOO! Talk about a win/win!
He was beaming and my braking leg was in a resting position the entire time.
I have always believed I was a pretty darn good mom! Your book has been enlightening me to the possibilities of being a phenom mom.
Thank you and best wishes!
P.S. ~ I’m starting to utilize some things at work too with some of my more obstinate opportunities. I’ll keep you posted if you’d like.
J
May your day be blessed with the desires of your heart!
A
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