In this video, Norm expands on the previous video about how children absorb the atmosphere around them and he goes into more detail about the concept of powerful influences.

Children mimic the things that most powerfully influence them so there is a tendency with children to try to get close to and replicate the person or people in their lives who have the most power. Think about how children imitate other children or their favourite TV hero and you will notice how kids tend to imitate the ones they feel hold the power.

In the case of the child’s parents and their influence, Norm gives an example of a mother who is snappy with the father, verses the father who brushes off his wife and ignores her wishes and he explains why the action of the father has more impact on the child then the actions of the mother.

He goes on to explain the effects and influence of the people who care for the child the most which also holds a lot of power and helps a child to define their value. Sometimes the person who holds the most power in this area is not a parent but a grandparent or other significant elder.

These are two very different examples of how people exert power in a child’s life and how the child absorbs this influence. Take a look at the video as Norm relates some of his discoveries through his years of counseling with children and parents and please feel free to add your comments or questions.

With You in Mind

When you think about parenting and the length of time it takes to accomplish the job, remember that it will take at least 16 to 18 or more years devoted to parenting as a primary role. Also remember that just one year is a long time.

I believe that every parent aspires to love their child, to be a good parent and to make a difference in the lives of their children. We have great plans about how we will raise this wonderful child and give him or her the very best chance in life.

What happens though, when a parent gets a little overwhelmed? After all, each child is an individual with their own personality their own will and ideas about how to go about life and it can be overwhelming for parents when things happen that were not part of the perfect plan. What about the mistakes we make and feelings of failure that we have as parents? Many parents worry that the formative years were not as solid as they originally envisioned. What do we do with that, and how do we correct it? What about teenagers?

This video talks about the opportunity verses the struggle when it comes to parenting. A year is a long time. Have a look at this video blog post and let me know your thoughts.

With You in Mind,
Norm Quantz