NEWTON'S 3rd LAW OF MOTION

Isaac Newton the scientist taught about 3 laws of motion.  The third law states that 'action and reaction are equal and opposite'.  This means that for every force there is a reaction force that is equal in size but opposite in direction. So that whenever an object pushes another object it gets pushed back in the opposite direction equally hard.

You are probably asking yourself 'what has physics got to do with parenting?' Well it does have a lot to do with parenting, not the actual 'physics' of it (for want of a better word) but the 'moral' of it.

This law simply teaches that our children's actions and responses to us and the community around them is a reaction to an applied force from us or the community, and the impact of their actions on us is equal to the force we applied on them.  Let me explain further.  If you give a child love and affection you will get love and affection in return.  Remember that children know no different.  So what we give them is accepted as right and true.  You cannot shout and swear at a child and expect them to smile and walk away.  You will get the same measure back and the impact on you will be the same impact your shouting had on them.

There is a simple rule in life - treat others the way you would like to be treated.  That is the way forward.  We cannot be like the leaders who say 'do what I say, not what I do'.  Our children will receive our actions, process them and give back the same measure unto us.

Parents, lets give this a try. Consciously do the positive things (including when you discipline your child) even when your head and emotions just want to lash out, and see what reaction you will get back.  Remember every child is different and you might have to consistently keep trying until you see change.

There is no perfect parent, we can only give it our best shot.

Happy parenting

Angela Bediako