Eyres On The Road

The Eyres today discuss the joys and benefits of grandparenting rather than parenting. You might be surprised at what they have to say.

Richard and Linda discuss the false paradigms perpetuated by society that inhibit proper parenting. Specifically, the Eyres talk about the dangers of four world views that they believe are not correct: 1\. They are concerned with a "media minority" who masquerade as a majority (immorality, sex, and violence on TV and video games is not the norm, but it is portrayed as if it were, causing parents to think they are out of touch with society)  2\. Materialism, Richard points out, creates an environment where parents work harder to get material things than they do on their own relationships.  3\. Linda believes that recreational sex, instant gratification can lead to hedonism.  She's concerned about the idea that you have to have things right now, such as not waiting marriage before having sex. 4\. They Eyres say they are worried about conditional or situational ethics, which can lead to an attitude of "its okay to do this now because I have a good reason."

The Eyres are actually on the road this week as they call in from Manhattan, New York, fresh from attending their son's graduation from the University of Pennsylvania, with a Masters Degree in Positive Psychology. Essentially, their son graduated in how to be happy! The Eyres discuss this topic at length throughout this edition of Eyres on the Road.  Later on in the program, the Eyres talk about how education and graduation lead to happiness and success in other areas of life as well, particularly in marriage.

The Eyres discuss the power of motherhood and express their admiration for the everyday mom. Richard Eyre will be speaking this Sunday in church for Mother's Day, and he comments on the importance of mothers on the world. For him, all professions work towards supporting the world's foremost profession: motherhood.  Later on in the program, Richard and Linda give important tips for maintaining a solid foundational relationship between husband and wife, especially later in life.

Get tips about parenting from world-traveling family coaches Richard and Linda Eyre.

This week, Richard and Linda Eyre are on the road with their family in California. After spending time with the grandchildren, the Eyres share several heart-warming stories from some of their interactions with the grandchildren. They discuss the difference in personalities and attitudes between the grandkids and remind parents that each and every child is different. And because each child is different, it is important to adjust parenting strategies and styles for each child. For example, what motivates one child may not matter to another child.  But it all comes down to find joy in the little things. The Eyres reassure parents that nobody is perfect and remind parents that everyone goes through hard times. Things will never be exactly the way we want them to be, so we need to make the most of life and not get down on the struggles we face in this mortal life.

Richard and Linda Eyre discuss their trip to Bali last month and reflect on what they saw and experienced in Southeast Asia. The Eyres note the growing interest around the world in parenting with books, seminars, and even press conferences being held to foster better parenting. They talk about the impact of diversity (especially in religion) and how communities can come together on important issues like parenting despite differences in religious backgrounds. The Eyres also highlight several interesting trends -- both good and bad -- that they observed while travelling through Southeastern Asia. During their trip, they gave seminars about the importance of having balance in parenting strategies and not focusing too much on one thing.  Check out some pictures from their trip to Southeast Asia here: Eyres on the Road

Richard and Linda Eyre start out talking about the positive effects that good coaches and experience with sports teams can have on children. The Eyres offer examples from their own experience as parents on how coaches and parents can help children develop teamwork, self-esteem, and confidence in one self. Then, the Eyres talk about their trip to Bali, Indonesia, and how important it is to take time for everyone in your family...even the adults. They discuss the balance of being too involved or not involved enough in the lives of your children and grandchildren and also share their views on the value of a good family vacation.

Linda talks about her mother's conference with her daughters that took place in Los Angeles. The event took a lot of preparation and Linda shares with us the different details of what they did and what was learned.

Richard and Linda Eyre talk about the importance of exposing children to diversity and unfamiliar circumstances in order to produce an attitude of tolerance and understanding in children. They offer many suggestions from their own parenting experience, including: homeless shelters, soup kitchens, international fairs and events, community church activities, and even good books.  They also highlight the importance of helping children get out of their "bubbles" so that they will know how to act appropriately, effectively, and sympathetically when faced with difficult or uncomfortable situations. Also, check out the Eyres' article in the Deseret News this past week, "Our Love-hate Relationship with Movies."

How do you define success? What can you do to guide children to succeed? The Eyres talk about a recent article in the NY Times by Amy Chua (author of the book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother") and Ted Rubenfeld titled "What Drives Success?" Richard and Linda dissect some of the arguments of the article (that success stems from a feeling of superiority, a need to disprove a sense of inferiority, or an ability to control impulses and avoid temptations) and share their own opinions on what motivates certain people to be successful. The Eyres emphasize that, while it is important to push success and achievement, it is perhaps even more important to ensure that the children (and grandchildren) feel happiness and joy in life.

Richard and Linda Eyre discuss how important it is to treasure time at home. They share their feelings coming home or visiting family after travelling or being away from their loved ones. The Eyres also talk about how important it is to not take things for granted and to always focus on the positive aspects of your own home and opportunities to spend time with your family.

While family situations and financial circumstances may be different, "there is no situation where parenting is easy." There are pressures for all parents that range from trying to give your children everything they want to not being able to give your children everything they need. The Eyres discuss how good parenting has nothing to do with money, but has everything to do with teaching our children how to be responsbile. "It's not what you have, it's what you do with what you have."

Richard and Linda Eyre discuss the importance of making and maintaining a strong relationship with your spouse. They provide evidence of the positive effects that strong marital relationships can have on children, including providing them with a sense of security and love in the home. The Eyres also offer ways to strengthen the relationship between husbands and wives, stressing the importance of taking and making time for your spouse no matter what occupational or educational responsibilities you may have.

After visiting Mexico City, Mexico, Richard and Linda Eyre reflect on the family oriented nature of many Latin American families. They discuss how things like eating together as a family, the presence of extended family, children and relatives staying close to home (even for college and work), and the emphasis of respect for your elders (especially grandparents). The Eyres also talk about the importance of learning from other cultures and standing firm in your family beliefs despite societal pressures.

Years ago, Richard and Linda Eyre asked some of their friends, "What is the single most important gift you would want for your preschooler?" The answer, surprisingly, was for them to be happy and feel joy in learning. The Eyres discuss how joy and learning should always go together, especially for young children. They highlight portions of their very first book, "Teaching your Children Joy," and offer ways to combat the pressures of the modern world to jump-start and over-emphasize a young child's education.  For more information on "Joy School" and infusing joy into your child's learning, visit joyschools.com. At their website, you can learn more about the Joy School program, find lesson plans, and get great ideas for starting your own Joy School.

Richard and Linda Eyre discuss the importance of using family gatherings as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and get to know one another. They suggest lowering high expectations so that you won't get down if something doesn't go according to plan. They also share ideas for making family events more meaningful and taking advantage of every moment (even cooking, washing dishes, or travelling somewhere).

Get tips about parenting from world-traveling family coaches Richard and Linda Eyre.

Richard and Linda Eyre discuss how parents and grandparents can teach their children about the true spirit of Christmas. They offer ideas like the "Children for Children Concert" which they hold annually to raise money for causes in third world countries. They also pay tribute to Nelson Mandela and discuss how the principles he stood for: forgiveness, equality, and brotherly love; should be cherished and emphasized especially during the Christmas season.

Richard and Linda Eyre discuss the importance of having family traditions during the Holiday season. They share some of their own family traditions, talk about how almost anything can become a tradition, and offer ways parents can help children become more interested in the Spirit of giving and less wrapped up in the Spirit of "getting" (presents).