Comments on: Great Expectations Manifesto – 21 Guidelines for my Children on Living an Authentic Life

By: Charley’s Eleven Commandments | You, Simplified

Charley’s Eleven Commandments | You, Simplified — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:03:16 +0000

[...] by the concept of the Bible’s Ten Commandments (clearly) and my earlier Great Expectations Manifesto for my children, I thought that I would spend some time in meditation and come up with my own commandments list. [...]

By: marcommpro

marcommpro — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:39:36 +0000

WOW. This is truly one of the most articulate, beautiful things I’ve ever read. It’s like you lifted those words that are imprinted on my heart and from my daily prayers for my own children and brought them to the page. Thank you for this visible reminder of what is truly important (for us parents and well as our children).

By: Ariella Rogge

Ariella Rogge — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:48:30 +0000

Charley–When I was a young idealist, I used to think there should be a set of guidelines for International Travel (and an accompanying exam that had to be passed BEFORE travel could ensue). After working with kids for years at camp, and now with my own two little one–I appreciate the lessons one can learn from travel around the world, and travel within the world.

The world of parenting is full of triumphs, tragedies, joy and sadness–but by creating the Great Manifesto for your children–and for all of us who have the privilege to read it and share it–you have created a foundation for growth.

This would be a healthy exercise for anyone–and especially for me as a parent. Brilliant. Thank you.

By: Charley

Charley — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:47:09 +0000

Parenting is a very tough job 365Girl, you know it. When all three get fussy and start cranking it can test every last nerve, but then they can stop on a dime and be so adorable. It makes it all worthwhile.

By: Charley

Charley — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:45:29 +0000

No anger Shannon, thanks for understanding the tone. I may come off like a jerk a bit when I write but I’m a cream puff around my kids.

Many thanks for the comment,

- Charley

By: 365girl

365girl — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:51:09 +0000

Thought provoking and well written… I have two children and all of the 21 I would like to encourage them to consider and act upon. However it is never too late to take another look at your own life and this post has made me do that. I’ll read through again and see what I can do to improve my own existence (particularly the number 12 – some work to be done there ). I like to lead by example – and where better to put that into practice than in parenting – it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it!

By: Shannon Wagner

Shannon Wagner — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:41:39 +0000

I used to cringe when I heard the word “expect” – I guess too many people around me were using it as a path to disappointment when the World acted differently. But I get it – what you mean in your post – and I think that giving this type of guidance and vision, by passing on your own set of expectations to others, is actually very helpful. As long as there ain’t no anger involved.

Thanks for taking the time to share it!

By: Charley

Charley — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:49:15 +0000

Hey Anne,

Thank you very much for your thoughts. There are many days that seem challenging, juggling triplets, especially when one or more are not feeling well, but when we reflect on how circumstances could have been much different, it puts things into perspective.

- Charley

By: Charley

Charley — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:47:55 +0000

Hi @Minimal Student, thanks so much for your kind thoughts, I appreciate them very much.

- Charley

By: Charley

Charley — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:44:54 +0000

Willow, that’s a terrific idea, including goals for your children as you set your own. Thank you for sharing that.

- Charley