Christopher Fry: "Between our birth and death we may touch understanding, As a moth brushes a window with its wing"

Take a handful of soil. Ask yourself, ‘Is it alive?’. Unless you are a poet the answer is anyone’s guess. You might remember your science teacher telling you about the various living organisms ranging from bacteria and virus to earth worms and caterpillar.

Photo Courtesy: Cliff

1) Why should coming to office be drudgery? Why can't it be fun for everyone?
2) Why can't we bring our family into office during working hours?
3) Why can't we work out of home when we feel like? (Telecommuting is 'green working' anyway.)
4) Why should we have working hours at all?
5) Why should we have a boss? Why should there be a supervisor?
6) Why can't everyone think like the owner of the organization?

Some days ago I was reviewing a marketing research presentation by a team that had spent over four weeks to analyze the target market position of a product. I was unusually silent during the entire course of the presentation. I didn't even bother to ask any questions even to seek clarification. To me the presentation was disaster as soon as I saw the first few slides. The team has never picked up the phone to call even one target client. They have never bothered to step out of the office to watch target clients in their natural settings.

To free children from playing roles

1. Look for opportunities to show the child a new picture of himself or herself.
“Every time you wanted to give a gift you always made a gift with waste materials at home. You can be enterprising if you applied your mind.”

2. Put children in situations where they can see themselves differently.
“Would you like to manage kitchen for today?”

3. Let children overhear you say something positive about them.
“She stood by me to support me through the day in the kitchen even though she was not feeling great physically herself.”

Praise and Self-Esteem

1. Describe what you see.
“The floor looks clean.”

2. Describe what you feel.
“It is a pleasure to come in to a clean house.”

3. Sum up the child’s praiseworthy behavior with a word. “Neat.”

- from the book 'How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk' by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

--
I Am New,
Krish Murali Eswar.

Some alternatives to “No”

1. Give information (and leave out the “No.)
“Can I go to play now?”
“We will be having dinner in five minutes.”

2. Accept feelings.
“I want to come after five more minutes.”
“It is hard to come away when you are enjoying so much.”

3. Describe the problem.
“I would love to come to play with you. The problem is I have to finish this report.”

4. When possible substitute a “Yes” for a “No”.
“Yes, certainly you can have an ice cream when you don't have fever.”

5. Give yourself time to think.
“Mom, I want to sleep over at R’s house.”

To Encourage Autonomy

1. Let children make choices.
“Are you in a mood to go to painting class today or not?”

2. Show respect for a child’s struggle.
“Getting up early can be hard. If you come with me for a walk every morning you’ll feel better. Or have a cup of fresh juice as soon as you wake up. Or pour some water on your face.”

3. Don’t ask too many questions.
“Good morning.”

4. Don’t rush to answer questions.
“That’s a good question. What is your answer?”

5. Encourage children to use sources outside the home.
“Maybe Professor Shashi can offer an idea.”

To Problem-Solve

Step 1: Talk about the child’s feelings and needs.

Step 2: Talk about your feelings and needs.

Step 3: Brainstorm together to find a mutually agreeable solution.

Step 4: Write down all ideas – without evaluating.

Step 5: Decide which suggestions you like, which you don’t like, and which you plan to follow through on.

- from the book 'How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk' by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

--
I Am New,
Krish Murali Eswar.