Jason 2.0

School starts tomorrow. It will be virtual, at least at first, and I hope that as we learn more we’ll start opening things up more, in the knowledge of what is safe. I’m optimistic AF, because over the Covid break we’ve focused not on teaching him “facts” or academic habits, but on shifting the beliefs, values and attitudes that SUPPORT proper academic habits and love of learning.

Softly, softly, Catchee Monkey. Jason is more cat than dog. If I order him to do something, he’ll resist. But if I can put it in front of him and make him curious, he’ll eventually come and sit in my lap.

I’ve used a LOT of tools to help Jason, but the last month has been remarkable. It is just possible that we’ve broken through. Most of this is just him growing up, but it would be reasonable to assume that at least some of it is things T and I are doing. I wanted to focus on that, just for a moment. I’ve been getting more questions about parenting, and hope this will be useful. It’s going to get complicated…and then I’m going to condense it to a single sentence. Hopefully.

The major take-away is that parenting is less about who they are than the integrity, congruence, sensitivity, creativity, and compassion that YOU are. The rest follows naturally. Be the change you wish to see.

Specifics.

The key is a specific application of the “Three Gates” and “Three Centers” notion. Getting him to buy into the concept that striving to be honest, kind, and useful is great. He likes it when people are this way to him, yes…