The Daily Groove.

THE DAILY GROOVE ~ by Scott Noelle
www.enjoyparenting.com/dailygroove


:: The Joy of Being Known ::
Think of a beloved friend or family member who knows
you so well s/he can practically "read your mind."
Someone who knows what pleases you without having
to ask.
Doesn't it feel good to be known like that?
Children naturally want to be known by their parents
in that way. But parents inadvertently weaken that
connection when they constantly ask their kids what
they want.
The idea that it's rude *not* to ask comes from our
culture of alienation. In cultures of intimacy, to be
asked one's preferences is to be treated like a
stranger.
Today, whenever you're about to ask your child's
preference, first ask yourself if you already know
enough to make a choice that will please him or her.
If not, go ahead and ask. If so, act without asking.
If your child objects to your decision, simply take in
the new "data" and adjust course, this time or the
next. Now you know your child a little better.
http://dailygroove.net/being-known