They may have been better for the parents, but were they better for the children?

Generation X, the children of the 70’s and 80’s parents were one of the most under-parented sets of children in the last century. They were pretty much left to it; the first latch key kids, they were exposed to things well before they should have been and were very under-protected. This is turn made them highly rebellious and started a huge wave of youth crime, underage drinking, sex and a whole host of other things.

So yes, while the parents thought it was great, the children on the other hand had different stories. I think that by comparison, we were parented very little and that was easier; that was better as we had so much freedom, but at what cost? We hated our parents, hated society and pretty much got resigned to our lot.

But the Changing Face of Motherhood report suggests nine out of 10 mothers feel guilty about how much time they spend with their children.

Over a third think they have less time for themselves than their mothers did.

The research carried out by the Social Issues Research Centre (SIRC) and published on international Women’s Day, based its findings on focus groups with mothers and grandmothers and a survey of 1,000 mothers

As the report suggests, we do have less time than our mothers did. But let’s get this into perspective; we expect more from our children, we want to protect them more and they love spending time with us. Modern day children love their parents and often cite them as their role models.  So would we rather have more time and kids that didn’t like us much or less time and great relationships with our children that will last a lifetime?

Well if you’re like me, both! You want the time and the relationship. And we can; we just have to learn to ask for what we want, be willing to give our children a little more freedom and stop doing surveys that state the bleeding obvious!

“Children are taught what they should do, but few are helped in the discovery of what they can do.” Marti Eicholz

This is the reason for my work! I am passionate about helping children and their families in the discovery of what they can do! Discovering what is RIGHT with their child.

I begin with their Learning style… This is an on-line profile assessment. It takes the child approx. 20 to 30 mins to complete and then we come together as a family or in some cases one to one to discuss their results and how to move forward from here.

There are 5 aspects of a Learning Style and they are:

Disposition

Talents

Interests

Modality

Environment

Today I am going to spend time  discussing the 5 Dispositions .

Learning Disposition

This is the way the world sees us.

Dispositions determine the way people work, communicate and learn.

A combination of dispositions is an aspect of us that is more inborn that developed – hardwired into us, so to speak.

Our dispositions are difficult to change.

In a way, all other aspects of learning style are expressed through our dispositions.

The Learning style profile identifies 5 distinct dispositions, and they are:

Performing

Producing

Inventing

Relating/Inspiring

Creating/Thinking

The Performing disposition

These people like to move.

They are spontaneous and playful.

Often labeled hyperactive or ADHD.

They are often bright, witty and outspoken.

These people enjoy challenging authority, rules and traditions.

OF all the dispositions, this is the one that schools have the most difficulty containing.

The Producing disposition

These people like to organize.

They like order and efficiency.

They get things done on schedule and on budget.

TRADITIONAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS reward children with Producing dispositions.

Only 8 – 16% in a regular classroom, that is 3 – 6 out of 35 children.

These are the children many parents wish they had!

These children often enjoy finishing the work and crossing it off the “list” as opposed to enjoying the subject itself.

The Inventing disposition

These people like to discover.

They need intellectual stimulation, to feel competent and a chance to make a practical contribution.

NOTHING matters as much as their projects they’re working on.

Not meals, chores or even getting to soccer practice on time.

They will spend long periods of time reading or surfing the net for info, ideas, theories…

THEY HAVE A STRONG DESIRE TO KNOW MORE… find solutions.

They lose track of time because they are so involved in their discoveries.

The Relating/Inspiring disposition

These people like to interact.

They need to contribute to the well being of others.

To create the greatest good for the most people…

They are known for having HEART.

They sometimes neglect their own families and friends because they are so busy taking care of others.

CHATTY, pass notes… Often know the latest news, gossip…

Emotions run high.

The Thinking/Creating disposition

These people like to create.

They need to contribute new ideas…

Uses real-life issues and concerns as the basis for their inspirational or thought-provoking works.

Theirs is a world of ideas.

Expression through formulas, solutions to philosophical problems and works of art – Painting, drawings, sculpture, poetry, essays, music, plays and dance.

They might doodle, or look out the window…

Some are seen as withdrawn or shy.

DEEP INTERESTS, long attention span for specific things.

A RICH FANTASY LIFE.

So, in conclusion,

“Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded.” Charles f. Boyd

Each student is unique, having different strengths and weaknesses and different learning styles. Learning styles aren’t garments that kids can put on and take off. Their learning styles are who they are. It’s like a thumbprint.

“All too often kids are labeled because someone is confusing a need for a different teaching method with a learning problem.” Mariaemma Willis

Finally my new book is here so so excited

Parents, are you ready to finally stop the never-ending cycle of disagreements, arguing and repeating yourself endlessly?

If you ask most parents what they want for their children, most will answer, “I want them to be happy, healthy and confident.” Ask parents of teenagers and most will say, “I just wish they would do as I tell them!” The teenage years can feel like a never-ending cycle of disagreements, arguing and endless repetition.
TV star and author Sarah Newton will share with you how to survive the teen years without pulling your hair out. In Sarah’s new book you will discover:
1. The biggest parenting mistake you are making and how to stop it.
2. How to teach your teen that there is more to life than gimme, gimme, gimme?
3. How to encourage your teen to take responsibility and start doing things without you having to nag.
4. How to to discipline your teen without starting World War Three?

Get back in the driver’s seat and take the first steps to build a more peaceful and harmonious home life.

If your teenager thinks that rules and regulations don’t apply to them and you are just a glorified ATM, then this book may change their life.

Learn how to say No confidently and deal with any repercussions.

Learn sure fire ways to get what you need done without resorting to shouting.

Stop nagging and give your teen empowering choices.

Try Sarah’s methods out at home and see what a difference her practical, no-nonsense advice can make to your family life.

Buy Now on Kindle

Enter for a  chance to win a FREE copy of the print book when released.