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Proof of Work kids
4605 sats \ 20 comments \ @grayruby 2 Aug 2023 bitcoin
My kids will probably tell you that I sound like a broken record talking about bitcoin but also with a few mantras I frequently repeat to them. If you spend any significant amount of time in my household you will likely at some point hear me utter one of the following phrases to my kiddos (older one moreso as the little one is still only 4, almost 5, but she hears it too occasionally).
"Words are not actions" "How you do one thing is how you do all things" "Hold yourself to account" "Put in a full effort" "Be Diligent" "What's your solution" "What's your goal, focus on your goal"
My wife and I are actually pretty easy going with the kids overall. Let them be kids, give them lots of free time to play and do the things they want. We are always laughing and joking around the house. Give them tons of love and support. But when it comes to their character, effort and upholding their responsibilities (no matter how big or small) we are strict with them. This playbook seems to be working so far.
You guys have any good mantras, sayings, quotes, strategies you use often with your kids?
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313 sats \ 1 reply \ @kepford 2 Aug 2023
Your actions far outweigh your words. I like your list. If your actions don't match your words it is for nothing. But, words matter just try not to lecture. Pick your times and battles. Sounds like you are on the right track though. I have tried to instill these things in my boys as well. We will see if it sticks.
One thing I've heard and try to practice is to not think "I'm raising kids". That is failure. I am guiding my kids into being responsible and honorable men. If they are kids when they leave our house then I've failed as a father. And when I say honorable men, I mean men that have earned the respect of those around them including me and my wife.
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50 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby OP 2 Aug 2023
I like that perspective. Guiding, not raising. Simple but insightful.
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313 sats \ 1 reply \ @nerd2ninja 2 Aug 2023
"Get good" "It doesn't get easier, you just get better"
No, I'm just kidding. I don't have kids, but cool insight.
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59 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby OP 2 Aug 2023
Haha. You will be ready for when or if you do. I like "it doesn't get easier, you just get better".
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217 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b 2 Aug 2023
when it comes to their character, effort and upholding their responsibilities (no matter how big or small) we are strict with them.
I wouldn't have articulated this but I think it's right. Everything else is something you can and should negotiate with a changing world.
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227 sats \ 1 reply \ @tomlaies 2 Aug 2023
Not an expert in raising kids but I feel like a lot of people resort to repetitive uses of mantras like you listed without their children actually taking it to hearth or actually understanding the meaning behind it.
I think "Words are not actions" is a brilliant example of this. Plenty of humans out that agree with this notion and think of themselves as following this but still being super passive in things they do
I don't have a better solution tho.
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69 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby OP 2 Aug 2023
I hear ya. Hence me saying I am sure they will say I sound like a broken record. But I am also confident that if we instill good habits that at some point in their life the lightbulb will go off and they will say "this is why mom and dad said or did this".
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150 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 2 Aug 2023
You nailed it. One thing I learned is it didn't matter what I said. Actions matter more. It goes both ways.
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38 sats \ 1 reply \ @I3_12_1_Z 2 Aug 2023
I often say to my kid "Proof of work!" for any examples of anything that takes skill - sk8n, musical instruments, good art, etc.. As in, it shows when you practice and put in the work.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby OP 3 Aug 2023
nice
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38 sats \ 1 reply \ @garyKrause_ 2 Aug 2023
I always try to ask questions instead of dictate orders. Before going into an activity, ask them what the plan is. Make sure we agree on it. Then hold them to their word.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby OP 3 Aug 2023
good strategy
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30 sats \ 1 reply \ @BBitcoinUSA 2 Aug 2023
Great list. I used to laugh when I heard my friends’ parents say things like “do as I say, not as I do” - now as an adult it’s just nauseating to think about. My parents were more in the “do your homework because I said so” camp. Now that I have kids, I’m pretty firmly in the “show me, don’t tell me” camp. With any luck they will thank us some day
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9 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby OP 3 Aug 2023
I think they will.
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30 sats \ 1 reply \ @ceife 3 Aug 2023
It sounds like you have a great approach to parenting, combining a relaxed atmosphere with strong values and guidance. I don't have kids, but I can suggest some positive mantras and strategies that might resonate with parents:
  1. "Kindness is contagious."
  2. "Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow."
  3. "Focus on progress, not perfection."
  4. "Respect yourself and others."
  5. "Practice makes progress."
  6. "Be curious and never stop learning."
  7. "Believe in yourself and your abilities."
  8. "Always be honest and trustworthy."
  9. "It's okay to ask for help when you need it."
  10. "Dream big and work hard to achieve your goals."
Remember, every family is unique, so feel free to adapt these sayings to suit your values and parenting style. Consistent reinforcement of positive messages can have a lasting impact on your children's development.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby OP 3 Aug 2023
good list
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40 sats \ 3 replies \ @cryotosensei 29 Sep
I stumbled upon this when I posted a tough Maths question on ~Science.
Nice mantras. I like the one “How you do one thing is how you do all things” best. It reminds one that the small things matter.
I probed my brain but I’m afraid that I don’t have motivational mantras to share. What my son imitates after me is “I have many things to do.” Haha
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72 sats \ 2 replies \ @grayruby OP 29 Sep
Haha. I have been using "what's your solution" a lot with my little one lately. She will often come to me with a problem or something that happened. She has this plastic toy sword that used to be her brother's toy when he was younger but she likes to play with it and pretend she is a pirate. The plastic on the handle of the sword keeps separating so I showed her how to clip it back into place and other day she said "my sword is broken again but I know how to fix it'.
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40 sats \ 1 reply \ @cryotosensei 29 Sep
Great story. Thanks for sharing. It’s more important to inculcate in our children the confidence to solve the problems that come their way than to aim for near perfect scores in their standardised exams. Who knows how the world will change?
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby OP 29 Sep
Completely agree.
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