Disclaimer: The thoughts on this blog post are those of my own that I
have learned from experiences that I have had with my daughter. There is no
“right or wrong” way to parent. We all parent based on the needs of our own
children.
Prenting at times is just a straight out hard job. There is
no manual and it is the only job where you truly learn as you go. You may find
at times going without certain things so that our children can have what they
need. Remember that God will always
provide the necessities of life, no matter your struggles and through the
trying times.
Parenting requires patience and compassion. Children demand
parents to be there for them, through the difficult times and the easy times.
They look for us to praise them for a “job well” done. As parents we have to
remember that we can’t praise are children for doing “what they are supposed to
do.” For example, doing chores, listing, being respectful, etc. We should
praise them for going above and beyond. If you don’t they will expect praise at
every turn in their lives and could be harmful as they become young adults. The
world isn’t at praiseful as parents can be.
Advising, reminding, encouraging, nurturing, teaching and
training our children to live a Christian life by thought, word and example.
This can be a difficult task because once they go to school they are being
influenced by children from all different walks of life and morals and ethics.
Sometimes those difference may not line up with our values
that we are trying to instill in our children so we have to be mindful to talk
and open discuss any situation or conversation that may arise. Being frank,
open and honest is a key to having effective communication with our children.
It will also allow them to feel comfortable coming to us when any problems or
situation may arise.
Parenting is a lifelong, full time commitment, that doesn’t
end when our children turn 18.
