I Want To Be A Good Parent

Throughout my teaching career, now expanding over 30 years, numerous discussions with parents have often focused on their desire to be a good parent. I cannot begin to count how many times parents have sought advice on how to handle a particular situation with child rearing. Parenting is tough. It is very challenging. Daily, we are asked to discipline, advise, encourage, nurse, drive, play, support, cuddle, hug, feed, laugh and pretend. But, most importantly, WE LOVE. For most parenting challenges, there are no easy answers. We do what we do at that moment based upon our experience and values. There is tons of advice out there. Some good. Some not so good. We pick and choose what to try. Most often we learn parenting by trial and error. You may look back 5 years from now and say to yourself, "I wouldn't do that again," or "I would do the same thing all over again." I recall a time when my own daughter was a new being lying on the change table and I feeling totally incompetent because I couldn't figure out why she was so upset. In parenting, experience is 20/20 hindsight. But regardless of circumstance, we must always base our actions and decisions on love.

As the parent, we are the most influential role model in our child's life. They will emulate us. You and I are the parent, the mature person in this relationship. They love us regardless of our circumstance. Our children depend on US.

This picture came across my desk the other day. After reading it, I knew that I needed to share it with all of you. It so clearly and succinctly states our role as a parent. I love it. I believe it.

This is courtesy of Positive Parenting: Toddlers and Beyond

Quote by L.R. Knost - Little Hearts/Gentle Parenting Resources