Parenting can be great!

This week we talked a lot about parenting. There are many purposes of parenting and ways to be an effective parent. I am not a parent yet but I look forward to it when that day comes. I’m lucky to have had both my mom and dad in my life. They were very authoritative and consistent with that. When I was a teenager, it seemed like they had too many expectations but now I see that their love was always there.

Parenting is different for everyone and with times changing there can be difficulties. But there can also be amazing moments that we can cherish forever.
As human beings we all have needs that need to be meant. When we have these met we will thrive. But before we go into that, I want to add something important. I believe with my recent studies and pondering, one of the best ways to be an effective parent is to love your spouse with all your heart and mind. That relationship will do miracles in families. With that tight bond or connection, they will be able to face anything. The love, resilience, dedication and devotion will affect the children.
So yeah! Just an important reminder before moving on to more parenting stuff. Some tips to keep in mind are consistency, rules, and love. When we have high expectations backed up with love, we can see our children not only survive but also thrive. When we see children that have potential but also with human flaws, we can help them. We can be patient with their faults but guiding and loving to support them.

People, children, all of us need human contact and belonging. People regardless of the way they may put on or show need that love. It can be with words, touch, quality time or different creative ways. Sometimes we can see the mistaken approach when people seek attention in undue ways like whining, crying, anger or outrage. Parents can offer contact freely and then teach their children how to do the same for others. The second need a person needs is power. The mistaken approach for power is trying to control others or rebellion against authority. The parent approach to this is to teach responsibility. Responsibility can be taught when the parents give the child choices and consequences. The responsibility is learned when they respond and their ability to react to the options given. These bounds or options help guide the children. The third need is protection. We all have this sense of needing protection. The child may make the mistake of trying and seek revenge or hurt people. The parent can be assertive but also be forgiving and loving. The fourth is withdrawal. It is okay to withdrawal and to step away from things. The child may try and be avoidant or push away everything. The parent in these certain circumstances can teach the children to take a break and have a mental or even physical health day. It is okay to take a break and get yourself together. The fifth is challenges. It is in our nature to seek a challenge, to become something better or something more. It can be a little risky when a child feels like they need to take leap or do something hazardous. However, the parent can help them build skills or invite them to do something they are good at and find new hobbies. These skills will help them as they engage in good things.

Involve your children. Spend time with them but also don’t be afraid to let them experience life. We can do our part by setting rules and letting them know that if they fall they can get back up and try again. Teach them principles and share experiences.Sometimes discipline or punishment is necessary. However, we have to love them first and then remind them and involve them in their consequences. Be firm but also willing to work.
We can help make a difference in people’s lives. But I believe it starts within the home. We can help make a difference in children’s lives and they can in turn help the community and even nation.