I am one of those people who constantly worry about the
state of our universe. Why do we all feel so disconnected from each other? What
has changed on our planet that is making us feel like we cannot trust anyone? What kind of world are we raising our
children into, and what are we leaving our children?
There are no real
answers to these questions. In fact, some people might think that it is a waste
of time to even think like this. And that, I believe, is the problem, and the
name I have for it is “short-term thinking.” Short-term thinking is quick, and
sometimes necessary. Is your child throwing a screaming fit in a restaurant?
Well then, pull out the smart-phone or tablet, give them something that immediately
soothes their needs to avoid a bigger drama, right? This is probably the right
move, and makes the most sense in the moment. The long-term solution is to be
more prepared the inevitable drama and having some expectations on the child’s
behavior to begin with.
You can find this to be true in so many settings. You find
this in the modern workplace and the current business and political climate. We
make decisions based on how things will be affected tomorrow, or next week. But
where is the thought of what we are doing for 20 years from now? Forty years
from now? Our children need us to think “long-term.” We need to teach our
children to think “long-term.”
Like I said before, “short-term” thinking has its place, and
when it comes to a person’s own career or financial goals, may be more
appropriate. Passing a test in school, or getting a good score on the SAT and
ACT, those are definitely moments for “short-term” thinking to take the front
seat. But what happens after that?
So where are the moments that give you a chance to create
good “long-term” thinking strategies for your children? Well, there are simple,
eternal things like gardening and planting trees. These are long processes with
no immediate gratification, but in the end, have great implications. Teaching
children to think about careers instead of jobs is another great “long-term”
moment. Getting a job and making money is one thing, but it is short-term.
Having a career, one career that you excel at, can create a lifelong learning
experience for a child.
Overall, I guess I do over-think this situation, but as I
see my son grow in intelligence and ability every day, I think about what kind
of world he is growing up in. I think about how Lucas will be able to affect
his life in positive way, and how he can affect the world in a positive way.
Happy Parenting, and good luck!
Damir
Labels: long-term, Lucas, Parenting, short-term, thinking