Knowledge Is Knowing What to Say. Wisdom Is Knowing When to Stay Quiet by Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach
We're surrounded by information.
Need advice on parenting a teenager? You'll find thousands of articles, podcasts, and videos ready to tell you exactly what to do.
Knowledge isn't hard to find — it tells us what to do.
Wisdom is different — it helps us know when, how, and whether to do it at all.
One simple example says it well and says it all:
Knowledge is knowing what to say.
Wisdom is knowing when to stay quiet.
Parenting works the same way.
Knowledge says, "Listen more."
Wisdom recognizes when your child isn't asking for advice at all. They're just hoping you'll stay present and attentive long enough to hear them.
I've been a parent for a long time. I've learned that wisdom isn't just an accumulation of information and strategies. It's all that knowledge that's been shaped by experience, patience, humility, and perspective.
Your child – especially your teen – doesn't need a parent with every answer. They need a parent who knows when to guide, and when to simply be present.
That's wisdom.
For more practical help raising children to be grounded, resilient adults, get Leashes, Lessons, and Love: What dogs teach us about raising our kids and ourselves.
Fern Weis is a certified life coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern supports parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, including addiction recovery. She helps parents release guilt, end enabling and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life's challenges. Her articles are featured in Thrive Global, Medium, Motherly, The Teen Mentor, and Bergen County Moms.
Learn more about coaching and classes at www.fernweis.com. And then download your free guide, "Five Powerful Steps to Get Your Teen to Talk." For information on Family Recovery programs, visit www.familyrecoverypartners.com.
Comments