Oprah move is just divine
headteacher on this one. Our kids live in such a protected world now, compared to the past.
We’ve got to give our children wings so they can fly and help them to cope with knocks.
When my boys were younger and didn’t get picked for teams, I’d help them to understand it wasn’t personal.
Distraction worked, too – OK, you haven’t been picked this time, but that means we can do something else.
Children miss out on developing resilience and all sorts of social skills through the lack of creative play nowadays. There are far fewer kids out playing together like we used to. It’s all about “play dates” and mum or dad being nearby to help sort out squabbles.
But free plays helps to identify leaders, to work out territory, to teach children to stand up for themselves and negotiate. They are all invaluable skills and help children with that resilience they need in life.
I have seen parents going crazy when their children haven’t been selected for teams – ranting, raving and complaining. It’s someone else’s decision and parents would be better off putting their energies into helping their children develop that ability to bounce back.
The irony is the kids who were disappointed not to be chosen for the football trip have probably forgotten all about it by now, while some parents continue to rage.
Incidentally, maybe they had a lucky escape anyway, as Rochdale were thumped 6-1. Oprah Winfrey has said she is waiting for a sign from God before deciding whether or not she should run for President.
Nothing surprises me about America these days. She couldn’t do any worse than Donald Trump!
I could see Oprah being a really good figurehead, surrounded by lots of wise heads who know how to run things and are experts in their fields.
She is much-loved in America. We all want someone to believe in.
So let’s see what God tells her and if she ends up in the White House.