Summary: Parents guide their children in matters of physical health. How much more important things that affect their character and use of time and energy, such as friendship.
Creative homeschooling inspiration rooted in relationships for the non-conformist, dedicated parent
The Happy Homeschool is a project by Laura Blodgett
Great episode!!
When you wrapping up and talking about some reasons parents might feel uncomfortable about limiting their children’s friendships, one aspect you didn’t bring up that I have particularly struggled with is the idea that I am somehow condemning the other child to either potential friendlessness or abandoning some social responsibility to help them. This can probably be partially traced back to some arrogance on my part – after all, I’m not their parent, and to think I should step in and ‘fix’ the other child is pretty over the top. But the guilt here can be pretty strong, too, especially when the other parent has outright told me that their kid has trouble making friends.
I think it’s important as a parent to keep my priorities and limitations in mind, while still being compassionate and allowing opportunities when I can functionally supervise.
It’s tough, though. I hate the idea of being responsible for ostracizing a child who doesn’t understand why they are having a hard time.
Yes, that category of guilt is present in many choices. I think the best option for a parent in those situations is to guard your child, while evaluating and praying about how to possibly encourage the other parent. However, too many times I find such parents want other people to do the work for them.
There have also been times I’ve wanted to say something to the parents, either encouraging or warning, but the depth of relationship isn’t there. (Which may indicate that the child-to-child friendship won’t be long-term, either. 😅)
The other thing I have run into at least twice is when the parents are aware of the problem and seem to be actively working on it, but it still reinforces poor behavior in my kid that we’re actively working on. Then, it’s just matter of making the tough parental call that this isn’t a good fit.