Am I failing as a parent? Absolutely….NOT! Before having children, and I’m not speaking for myself, but every parent had expectations as to what kind of parent they envisioned to be. ” I won’t let me child eat this, watch that” ,etc. Rightfully so, you can make those decisions because you’re their parent.
You have experts, family, and friends who give advice on how to raise your children or how to be a good parent, but in my opinion, raise your children how you feel they should be raised. Parent your children the best way you know how. What works best for your children and within your household is how it should be. Never look at other parents and feel guilty because you aren’t doing what they are doing.
To be the best parent I know how for my son and daughter, I do these few strategies:
Being a great role model:: Children watch what we do and listen to what we say. We as parents must set a good example. They are sponges and will soak up any and everything we do. Remember we want our children to model appropriate behavior and we must act accordingly.
Being Persistent:: As parents we should be consistent as much as possible. Keeping routines and rules to where they should be; children will know whats expected, and it gives them a solid foundation.
Treat your child equally:: NEVER COMPARE YOUR CHILD to their siblings, or if they are the only child don’t compare them to other children. When children are compared to others it makes them feel less of themselves like they are failing you or them. Always lift your child up and give them equal attention and treat them equally.
Be Patient:: I’ve grown to be a patient person. My entire life prior to having children I was impatient, wanted things to happen right away , wanted people to do things when I said to do them etc. After becoming a mom, having patience with my children keeps me leveled. If I don’t have the patience with them, who will? By my children seeing me impatient and wanting “now” they will follow in my footsteps of that inappropriate behavior. As we know in life, being impatient will not get you far.
Raising children is a tough and challenging job, but it is also rewarding. Be sure to look at yourself everyday and say ” I’m doing one heck of a job to parent my kids, and no one can tell me otherwise!”
Parenting, Kids, & Self-Care 