This post is sponsored by Participant Media. This series of posts is inspired by the documentary TEACH by Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim.
It seems I am from a family of teachers. My parents have both done a variety of things... but as I look at their professions right now, they both spend a lot of time teaching.
My dad teaches university students about investments and world markets and he teaches the members in his church congregation about how to serve others and live better... meanwhile my mom teaches elderly men and women with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as the director of a local activities center for Seniors. She also teaches their caregivers how to cope with their challenges.
They both do an amazing job.
Teachers that rock have fun doing their work... even when it isn't always fun. They find ways to make each teaching moment memorable.
My dad's favorite thing to say when we were growing up (with a twinkle in his eye) was... "Now remember the rules while we are gone... No laughing, no smiling, and no having fun!"
He reminded us often to be cheerful. Both my parents are great examples of people who live happily and fully.
Like many of you might say about your parents, my parents have been my greatest teachers.
Aren't they adorable too? (see photo above)
I aspire to be like them.
I want to do a better job at making the challenging parts of parenting and teaching my little ones enjoyable.
I heard this quote this week. It made me think of the remarkable people in my life who are going through or have gone through hard times. They unknowingly are teachers to me. I think about them daily. I also think this quote applies well to those of us teaching little ones (in homes and classrooms). Not every moment is perfect, but things will turn out best for those of us who make the best out of each situation.
How do you make teaching little ones (or big kids) fun and enjoyable when sometimes it isn't?
One of the best things my dad has taught me is to find the fun and humor in life. As I've mentioned before, he has Parkinson's disease. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for himself, he finds the funny parts of the situation and points them out to us. He laughs at himself. He focuses outward on helping other people as well.
As a parent I can make the choice whether to yell or laugh or even snap a picture when my kids do something they shouldn't. Lately I feel like I have been choosing the yelling option far too frequently.
Growing up, my parents just took a photo. 🙂 I'm sure they yelled from time to time too... but mostly they just focused on the bigger picture. We were their kids, they loved us, and they forgave us.
This month I am going to try and choose to be better at following their example... and avoid yelling or getting so frustrated.
I am going to try and be a teacher that rocks in my own little house.
I'm going to laugh more... smile often (especially when I don't feel like it) and have a lot of fun (even when doing things that aren't necessarily enjoyable).
How do you avoid yelling or getting angry at your kids?
How do you stay positive on rough days?
If you missed Part 1 or 2 of our Teachers That Rock series click on the links below to check them out.
Don't forget to tune into a two hour special television event of “TEACH” presented by Participant Media. It is showing on the new network, Pivot, today at 8:00 pm ET/PT. You can watch the trailer below.
function linqiatrack3102() {
var oImg=document.createElement('img');
oImg.setAttribute('src', 'http://linqia.cc/17bc905');
document.getElementById('linqiatrack3102').appendChild(oImg);
obj = document.getElementById("trans3102");
var wrap = document.getElementById("lnq-wrap-3102");
wrap.removeChild(obj);
}
This post is sponsored by Participant Media. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but the opinions and stories are all mine. Thanks for supporting the things that I choose to share on my site! I think Toddler Approved readers rock too.
Leave a Comment