Podcast: Play in new window
This month I thinking about “making-the-grade” as I podcast. How I can do a better job of measuring up to standards of excellence in my life and how I can encourage others to do the same.
Where best to look through the lense of this theme than my role as a parent and my desire to see my children succeed in whatever life God has called them to have and the dreams that He has placed within them to reach.
But how does one do that exactly?
How does one help their child to succeed?
I’m a mom in between two seasons. I have five children, two of which of already flown the coup and three of which are still very much still in tow.
And I love it all.
That means that I have a sense of confidence having mothered two children and a sense of anxiety with the three that are left.
Most parents I know worry that they are getting it right and I’m no different.
But I do have a few thoughts about how to help your kids succeed. I must be channeling the mom with confidence today.
I even resurrected this old post about our journey into homeschooling and why we ended up doing it all the way through high school for our oldest.
In the end, strongly believe that my goal as a parent is to work myself our of a job.
So far I have enjoyed my parenting journey.
I loved nursing babies, running after toddlers, and late-night movies with teenagers.
But one day they will leave.
And I want them to be prepared to succeed in the life that only they can live.
I’m sure you want the same thing for your children.
I hope today’s podcast encourages you in that endeavor.
Highlights from Today’s Episode:
“How to Help Your Child Succeed”
- Know your child
- Let them grown in independence
- Give them responsibility
- Let them fail
- Like ’em
- Have fun
Quick Links
==> Links for Today’s Show
- Did you miss last week’s podcast? CLICK HERE!
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- Want to read my book? Check out Kingdom Woman!
- Heard me mention it in today’s podcast? Check out the links below!
- Quotes from today’s podcast. {Click the link to TWEET}
- Do what you need to do so you can do what you want to do. – Denzel Washington
- Your goal as a parent is to work yourself out of a job.
- When you make your children do what they don’t feel like doing, when they don’t feel like doing it, because it should be done, you are preparing them for life.
- You are not your paycheck and your kids are not their grades. Let your kids know that their performance is not a prerequisite for your love.
Let’s Talk!
After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment or ask a question!
- What were you challenged to do differently as a result of hearing today’s podcast?
- What tip do YOU have for helping a child to succeed?
- Have a question you’d like for me to answer on a future podcast? Share your question with me HERE.
Connect with me…
How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
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Oh man! Such a great episode. I remember when my son had his first day of preschool. I was so worried and didn’t know what to expect when it was time for him to walk into the class without me. To my surprise, he just looked up at me, waved and said, bye mommy! Like nothing! It almost hurt my feelings, but it was definitely a relief to know that he was ready to go.
One of the things that I’ve struggled with has been having the balance between showing my kids grace versus laying down the law. Growing up, my parents didn’t show much grace. They were pretty much always harsh anytime we did something wrong or when we didn’t do what was asked of us. So, I’m more prone to want to give my kids grace because I remember how the harshness felt when I was a kid. At the same time though, I feel like when I do lay down the law, I tend to be as harsh as my parents were. Then I feel bad for yelling or for punishing them. I don’t feel like a complete failure though, because a lot of the things that you talked about are things that I do have my kids do, but I do know that there’s always room for improvement. Thank you! You’re podcasts are always so encouraging.
Hi Chrystal,
Thank you so much for being so transparent with your family, it’s good to know that someone else is (or has) gone through some of the issues and problems that I am. I have two boys, 8 & 11. My 11 year old is a social butterfly and breezes through school, he’s the kind of kid that just gets it and doesn’t have to study. He brings home great grades and a report card that would make any momma proud.
My 8 year old – well, he’s a different story. He is very shy and likes quiet time. Even if there are some kinds outside playing in the cul-de-sac, he’ll go to to play but if it gets to loud or too many kids show up – he’s outta there! He’s a sweet kid, so kind-hearted and sweet – I could just squish him 🙂 In school, he struggles. But here’s the thing, he never complains about doing homework at home, he’ll sit and do 5 pages if I ask him. He’ll get the work correct, he’ll get the spelling words correct, he’ll answer the math problems correctly. So, I think I’ve done a great job (thinking that he understands it) but then he goes to school and fails a math test on the very same topic that he did so well on at home the previous night. I just don’t understand it.
I have thought about homeschooling him, but I worry about the social aspect of it. Like I said, he is a very shy kid and I need him to be around other kids and not just me. I’m really struggling with this and was wondering if you had any insight you could share?
In my perfect daydream world I have a beautiful village with inhabitants handpicked by yours truly who pour into and lift each other up everyday and you sister, are on my cul de sac! I started listening to your podcasts as I work on our school schedule for next year and I am so enjoying this “girl time” HA! Some girl friends and I are studying through Kingdom Women together this summer and this brought me to your blog which I am thoroughly enjoying. I have an 11 yr old, 15 yr old & 17 yr old, our homeschooling & public schooling journey has taken so many twists and turns and it’s nice to have a voice to listen to that’s not a stand alone judgement on one side or the other, just advice, wisdom & relationship. Thank you for taking time from your life & family to pour into our lives and families.
April, I know it isn’t my insight that you’ve asked for but I wanted to share our experience with you in regards to homeschooling. My youngest went to public school through 2nd grade and she is by far my most shy, quiet and reserved child. What I found was that in actually taking her out of school her personality has been allowed to flourish and grow in ways that it didn’t in that environment. She has friends of all ages, younger than her on up to the elderly that she spends time with in our local nursing home and while her initial nervousness is still there, she has thrived in each atmosphere that she’s been in. I have made sure that she is involved in things that pique her interest and pushed her to do things like theater that she loves but made her nervous. She still doesn’t like being on stage but in doing it she’s found a love for directing and working behind the scenes. She still gets a nervous stomach in public situations but I have seen her confidence grow exponentially in the past 3 years. She is still the quiet one but in that she is almost the most observant one and she sees what others miss, that child who is hurting or embarrassed and needs support or the 90 year old who just wants someone to share her stories with. I wouldn’t worry too much, God gives some a sensitive nature so that they can be sensitive to others. I don’t know where you live but here in the state of Texas it’s easy to leave the public school system and return later if it doesn’t work out or if they just need a season at home. I have 1 full time homeschooled child and 2 olders that attend an online public college prep school so we do things differently than most of the other homeschooling families that we know. I hope that this helps you!
Great post as usual! I needed to hear exactly what you said. Thank you for being you, Chrystal!
Excellent, excellent, excellent words of wisdom. Thanks so much for sharing!
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