From Diapers to Diplomas
A Common Sense Approach to Raising Well-adjusted Children
by
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Parenting forces us to learn how to compromise more than ever before. This is not as easy as it may sound. Parents have to think of the baby’s needs before their own. I was 28 years old when I became a father and I was used to controlling my spare time. When our first daughter was born, my life changed drastically. I thought I knew what was coming my way, but with hindsight, I can tell you that until I had my own children, I had no idea. I never fully appreciated my own parents until I became a parent myself. My wife insisted I do my fair share of changing diapers, giving baths, and feeding the baby. I confess I would have been happy to let her do all those things.
A rude awakening greeted me each evening when I arrived home. On the drive home from work, I would be thinking: I am so tired; it will be great to come home and relax, eat a good meal, read the paper, watch a little TV, and go to bed. At about
I eventually became used to the new routine. An important benefit was derived from all the baths, diaper changes, and feedings. It made my relationship with our daughters much closer from the beginning. Again, I have my wife to thank for this. I would not have done any of those things if she had given me a choice. How many fathers today start out the formative years as a supportive partner doing their fair share? This direct involvement is important. Raising little children is hard work, and the primary caregiver needs help.
Parents get one chance at the formative years. If you invest your time, love, and energy during the first six years, you will likely have fewer problems as your children grow. If it is not your spouse or you providing this vital influence, who is it to be? That choice will be one of the most important decisions you ever make as a parent. Samuel Palmer once gave the following advice to parents: “Begin to instruct as soon as the child has any notion of the difference between good and evil. And this is as soon as he or she knows your smile from your frown.”
Busy parents need to slow down so they have the time and energy for their children’s formative years. These are special times that in hindsight will pass quickly. One day you are bringing your newborn baby home from the hospital and it seems like the next day he or she is boarding the school bus for first grade. Frank Bogan wrote an article published in our newspaper titled “Grief and Loneliness Line a Father’s Empty Nest.” He had taken his youngest child to college and was home reminiscing. He wrote:
“And so I lean against the wall and I fiddle with a plastic plaque. It bears a tiny handprint squished into it years ago at preschool…a favorite project of preschool teachers who smile wickedly as they send the things home to unsuspecting young parents. They know that some day you’ll sit in an empty room and wrench your guts out over the little kid ghosts it stirs. Ghosts that whisper “Hi Daddy” so softly that only you can hear them.”
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About the Book
Parents who follow the concepts explained in From Diapers to Diplomas - A Common Sense Approach to Raising Well-adjusted Children, will not need Dr. Phil.
While the author, an award-winning teacher at one of the most successful public schools in the nation, acknowledges that the children of today have more problems than previous generations, human nature has not changed. From this perspective, the children of the 21st century are no different than the children of the past. What has changed is the growing number of parents who have drifted away from the proactive and common-sense philosophy of raising children. This has led to more and more kids growing up with a lack of values, discipline, and direction.
To confront the challenge of guiding children in the right direction, From Diapers to Diplomas provides readers with universal concepts:
• the purpose of discipline is not to punish, rather to correct
• parents must make their expectations clear and ensure that their children
live up to them
• children must be held accountable for their actions
• kids need to develop a sense of ownership toward their education so they
become self-motivated instead of parent-motivated
• pick the right battles - part of wisdom lies in knowing what to overlook
• participate in extra-curricular activities for the reward, not the award.
The author's expertise in this arena stems from thirty years in the educational trenches at
Readers of From Diapers to Diplomas would include newlyweds who are planning their family, young couples with their first newborn, and parents struggling with child-rearing responsibilities. Since the book discusses parenting ideas from the formative years through high school, it would appeal to parents at all stages.
About the Author
Combining over three decades of experience as a coach, teacher, and father allows the author to bring a unique perspective to writing a book about parenting. The hands on knowledge he has gained is immeasurable. Being a teacher has made him a better parent. Being a parent has made him a better teacher.
At the conclusion of the 2001-2002 school year, the author was selected by his peers as
Following graduation from