Common Sense

Common sense is instinct. Enough of it is genius.

George Bernard Shaw

My mother has always told me, "You've got book smarts, but no common sense." I probably should have been more insulted by this, but I found it to be rather true about myself. Most of my "common sense" was actually learned through experiences in trial and error. I've usually had to do something wrong in order to learn how to do it correctly. Often I try to fit the square peg into a round hole before I have my, "Ah-hah!" moment and realize I need to try something different. It doesn't come naturally to me, but I remember the answers to hardest lessons the best. I try to be observant of other moms and how they deal with discipline or instruction. I am open to advice but also use my own judgment on how much of the advice I follow. Do you feel like common sense is something that you are born with, or do you think it's something you develop as you grow older and have new experiences?

Blackmer introduces MomSense as Mom Intuition + Common Sense = MomSense

Chapter One Discussion Questions

1. Do you think you have a high level of common sense? Why or why not?
2. What experiences have you had that developed your common sense?
3. How do you use your common sense in your mothering practice?
4. How can you help your children develop common sense?
5. Take a minute to write down your own definition of common sense. 

As always, please feel free to discuss these questions on the blog as well as in your discussion groups at the MOPS meetings.