Work at Home Productivity Tips –

My daughter said this to me this morning.

We were discussing her homework load that has been wearing her down this past week and I mentioned that it was a good thing that she had decided to drop science early in the term because she didn't think she could keep up both math and science.

Maybe that sounds like bad parenting advice. Read on. 

She thought hard about the decision, got advice and in the end followed her gut.

She knew that she could choose one and do well at it, or choose both and possibly fail.

She weighed priorities

• which one would she really use
• which one would give her benefits from her efforts and fulfill future requirements 
• which one sat right with her 

and she made her choice, which turned out to be to keep math and drop science.

Some parents may have forced her to do both and that's that.

I've always found it important to allow my kids to follow their own hearts, to trust their own judgment and to listen to them – to give them a voice.

Maybe it's a throw back to my own upbringing in an oppressive environment resulting in my leaving at 18 without the ability to know my own mind or to have the courage to use it. 

It isn't so much a parenting decision for me as a natural inclination. It feels right. 

And so far it's worked well. My kids have more poise and confidence than I do at age 45. They make good decisions and feel empowered to do the things that are right for them.

Even when it means going against the grain.

I think it will serve them well. 

So I talked to her about it and in the end respected her choice and stood by her decision.

My daughter is an honours student, gets along well with her teachers and the other kids.

I think that a large part of this is owing to her tendency to simplicity, making priorities and taking her responsibilities seriously – she sees it as a reflection on her to do her best.

And she sees the big picture.

THE NITTY GRITTY 

Her biggest strength? The one that we can use today?

She had an innate sense of what she could and couldn't do.

Her instincts and common sense were telling her that she couldn't handle both and do them both well. Not to be confused with lack of self confidence, that's a whole other matter. 

She examined the facts realistically knowing that she wanted to do well at something that was important to her rather than do mediocre at too much.

I think it's something that many of us today can listen to.

Especially inside the realm of internet business.

How many of us are tempted to spin too many plates, and find them all crashing down.

It's something that I've been examining myself lately and has been a real life illustration of seeing the power of choice, of simplicity and focus in action.

It always pleases and amazes me when I learn the important life lessons from my kids.

I got a birds eye view today.

My kids rock. 

Most days. 

ACTion Tips   

– remember, just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD.   

– if you feel stuck, ask yourself if you are spinning too many plates.

– if you are, examine what you can or should give up. 

– follow your own voice.