Friday Five

1. What do you feel is the most important quality in a close friend?
A close friend has to be genuine. I have no desire to waste time with somebody who is not (been there, done that!).

2. What is the one quality in a stranger you'd just met that would make you want to get to know them better?
Knowledge in a subject that interests me. I was introduced to a woman the other day, and during the introduction was told that she's a beekeeper. I was fascinated! We talked for 10-15 minutes while waiting in line together, and I was disapointed when I had to leave...of course personality helps, but I could have talked to this woman about beekeeping alone for at least another hour. How neat to be able to learn from a person with experiences like that!

3. What do you think is the most important quality in a good leader?
A good leader has to have strong morals. A person could be the most organized, confident, and professional-appearing person on the planet, but they would be worthless as a leader if they lacked ethics.

4. What is the one thing that makes a child likable to you?
Innocence.

5. What do you think is the one thing that makes a good parent (other than loving their children)?
Being aware...aware of your child's feelings, wants, and needs. Knowing that your infant delights in repeatedly throwing things off of the highchair tray because this is how babies learn about gravity and cause and effect (and not because they're trying to tick you off) can give your patience a little boost. Being able to make a connection between undesirable behavior and your child being hungry, tired, or overstimulated can also help with patience, as well as learning to prevent future episodes...so many children are punished for being "bad" when really it's the parents' fault for being so disconnected with the child's needs or developmental timeline. Kids are not perfect; they need parental guidance, and parents do a much better job at this when they're paying attention and involved rather than detached and just physically "there." Parenting is never easy, but I think it's easier when we're more aware.



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