This is an exciting time in your life! Congratulations! You have just come back from the hospital with your first baby! She is adorable, and you have no idea how you ever lived without her before! You've thought A LOT about the type of parent you want to be to your little girl, and now is the time to practice those skills. You love your daughter more and more every day, but as she continues to grow, and you continue to become more and more exhausted from the tasks of taking care of your bundle of joy, you begin to feel like the ideal parent you imagined yourself to be isn't quite who you are. You find yourself getting angry when she cries and you can't seem to make her stop. When she starts throwing a temper tantrum in the store, you find yourself getting upset in return. Even though you aren't perfect, as she grows, you grow too. When she cries (no matter how long she cries) you are there to wipe away her tears. When she falls, you are the one who kisses it better and puts a Band-Aid on it. She may color with permanent marker all over herself, you, and the stairs, but you will still love her. You may not be the ideal parent you once thought you would be, but you are finding that you are gaining a love you never knew existed. You are finding that complete charity exists within you for someone else in a way that is different that you ever imagined. In the end what makes a good parent? No child comes with a manual on how to make them function properly, but there are specific things that, combined are a recipe for a good parent.
#1- Love. The most important thing a parent can do is love. It's okay for your to ask where they are going because it shows that you love them. It's okay for you to ask them to eat their vegetables, to want them to succeed, to tuck them in at night. Good parents show their love for their kids by loving them unconditionally, and allowing them to grow as individuals.
#2- Work. Teaching your children how to work is an important part of helping them succeed. Give them chores. Praise them for a job well done. Help them with their homework, but don't do it for them. Accept their help. Be firm. Show by example that it is important to work hard, and that hard work brings happiness. They will thank you one day for giving them responsibilities.
#3- Communication. It is key for a good relationship. Strive to have the type of relationship that you can laugh together, talk seriously together, and overcome differences together. Expect respect from your child, but respect them in return. Never try to get to their level. You are to be their parent, but that doesn't mean you are overly strict. Find the balance that your child sees you as a role model with advice and obeys you, but also be a role model they can talk about anything with.
What parenting advice do you have?
Please leave your advice and comments below.
-Lacey
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