Parents and Kids Getting Along
I'm at one of my favorite places: the cafe at Barnes and Nobles. It gives me a chance to get out of the office, sip a cool one and observe the most incredible thing happening on this earth: people.
I'm surprised by a short exchange between what appears to be a daughter and her mother (very good resemblance). The daughter is sitting at a table underlining some items in her book when her mom walks up to the table and timidly stretches over to say something to her. The daughter does not look up, says something short and the mom fearfully kicks back and withdraws.
I'm a bit saddened on two scores. Saddened for the mom who is afraid of someone very important to her. Saddened for the child who has lost the glow of respect for one's parents.
Now I may have misperceived this exchange. It's possible these two were having an off moment and normally they have a great relationship with each other. Regardless of the correctness of my observartion, I'm reminded of how often kids give their parents a hard time: the 8 year old in the grocery store screaming at the mom to buy him something RIGHT NOW; the ten year old who curses at the parents who won't let him go out to play after dark; the teen who defies her parents guidance and gets into trouble.
Before I go any further, I will confess that growing up, I was guilty of all of the above and then some. I could blog every day for the next six months listing out one thing after another that caused my parents to age prematurely.
Back in the day I wish I had read and taken to heart the booklet known as "The Way to Happiness." If I had, my life growing up would've been quite different and I would've spared both of my parents considerable grief.
The Way to Happiness is an astounding booklet. It is a common sense guide to a happier, more successful life. Translated into 96 different languages, it has helped people the world over.
If you're a parent, get yourself a copy of The Way to Happiness Activity Book. I highly recommend that.
There is even a Way to Happiness eBook that costs $5 for a dozen copies.
The Way to Happiness is simple and powerful.
Enjoy!
*precept: a rule on which a way of thinking or behaving is based
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