Common Sense Parenting Chart

We were once over-protective, now we’re hovering andhelicopter parents. In some settings being around your little one is being inthe way. In others if you miss 1 of 5,000,00 performances the neighbors willcall Child Services. We all know that parenting requires taking charge andensuring children’s safety. This differs from preventing them from naturaldevelopmental experiences. However, where do we draw the line? I say go withyour gut. You know what’s best for your family. If you insist upon guidelinestry the below.

COMMON SENSE PARENTING CHART

YES	NO
Protect	Insulate
Provide necessary educational tools and tutorials	Stay up all night hot gluing home made diorama animals
Maintain communication with teachers and coaches	Provide lesson and coaching plans
Praise effort	Praise napping during algebra class
Give age appropriate increasing responsibility	Tie high schooler’s shoes
Monitor surroundings (church, school, parks etc.)	Implant a GPS chip under child’s skin
Help with school activities as needed	Dig your nails into door frames when being escorted out of classroom
Be a member of kids’ personal team. “I’m in your corner”	Self-identify with kids’ lives, “We have a project, game etc.”
Have high expectations	Purchase a 4 years old’s Nobel Laureate acceptance ceremony outfit

15 Minutes Writing Experiment