Take a look into Chapter one and you can decide!

If we don’t shape our kids, they will be shaped by outside forces that don’t care what shape our kids are in. – Dr. Louise Hart

Embracing the Chaos of Parenting

Life Stinks When Your Kids a Jerk – Secrets to Building Disciplined, Respectful, and Happy Kids

The Author, Dwayne L. Flees will take you on a humorous yet insightful journey into the challenges of parenting, offering valuable lessons for every mom and dad. Parenthood is a rollercoaster of experiences – moments of joy, frustration, laughter, and sheer chaos. If you’ve ever felt like you’re raising a “hobgoblin” instead of the well-behaved child you envisioned, you’re not alone.

Shaping Our Kids

Chapter 1 opens with a quote by Dr. Louise Hart: “If we don’t shape our kids, they will be shaped by outside forces that don’t care what shape our kids are in.” These words remind us of the importance of active parenting. Children are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. As parents, it’s our responsibility to shape their values, behavior, and outlook on life.

The Gnomes, Kids, and Hobgoblins Analogy

Here the author uses a clever analogy, comparing well-behaved children to gnomes and misbehaving kids to hobgoblins. At times, parenting can feel like dealing with little creatures that make messes, break things, and demand constant attention. But, in the end, it’s all part of the journey, and there’s beauty in the chaos.

External Influences

One of the central themes of the chapter is the impact of external influences on our children. The author cautions us about seemingly harmless interests that can lead our kids down unexpected paths. It’s a reminder that as parents, we must be vigilant and aware of what our children are exposed to, even in today’s digital age.

Teenagers and Certainty

The chapter touches on the transformation from curious children to opinionated adolescents. Teenagers often exude a sense of certainty, which can be challenging to navigate. As parents, we must balance guiding them while giving them space to form their own beliefs.

Karate and Positive Reinforcement

One intriguing aspect of Chapter 1 is the discussion of Karate as a positive influence on children. Karate provides an environment structured around discipline, positivity, and achievement. It teaches children the value of setting goals, working hard, and emulating positive behavior models. The martial arts’ reward-based discipline system is a powerful tool for teaching children the benefits of doing the right thing.

Conclusion

Chapter 1 of “Life Stinks When Your Kid’s a Jerk” offers a humorous yet insightful perspective on the challenges of parenting. It reminds us that parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it’s one worth embracing wholeheartedly. As parents, we have the power to shape our children’s lives, instill values, and guide them towards becoming responsible, accountable, and positive individuals.

So, if you ever feel like you’re dealing with gnomes, hobgoblins, or anything in between, remember that you’re not alone. Parenting is an adventure, and every twist and turn is an opportunity for growth—for both you and your child.

In Chapter 2, we’ll delve deeper into strategies for handling the toughest of behaviors. Stay tuned for more valuable insights from “Life Stinks When Your Kid’s a Jerk.”

—

Mr. Dwayne L. Flees is the Sr. Chief Instructor at KarateBuilt Grand Rapids and has been teaching martial arts in the West Michigan area for over 20 years.  You can get copies of his book from Amazon here https://a.co/d/1SYHTeE or call KarateBuilt Grand Rapids at 616-899-4008 to find out how to get a Free Copy. KarateBuiltGR.com