Parenting

    I am just now realizing that this weeks blog is going to be about something tough. There are so many different ways and approaches to go about this in life, and no matter what, you're going to fail at something with it along the way and that is...parenting. Now, ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to be a mom. As I watched my mom and other women around me, it just looked so fun. Family has always been the most important thing to me, my biggest priority, that's why I've always wanted to be a mom. To have a family of my own that I created. However, as I'm getting older, i'm realizing how incredibly hard and tiring it is. It's so fulfilling i'm sure, but a lot of guilt comes with it. It's also draining and confusing as every single child is different and expects and needs different things. The kids seem to always come first before anything else, and I'm sure that's tough on parents, but worth it, hopefully, at the end of the day. 

    Children require a lot out of their parents as the purpose of parenting is to raise children, and prepare them to live successful lives, and to better the up and coming generation. Now, that is a stressful position to be in. Parents can't coddle their kids forever for the children will never learn to fend for themselves, but parents also need to tend to their needs or else they won't feel validated or acknowledged. Just like everything in life, it's hard to find the balance, and i'm not sure if there's even a perfect way to go about this. I think there are a lot of good suggestions, but not something that's going to work for every family or child, and that's exactly how it's supposed to be. I'm learning that parents are growing right along with their kids. Parents haven't been parents before so they're trying to figure out their own life with their kids by their sides. Just like a child has different phases of development, that still continues into adulthood. Life is full of experiences and quite frankly, being a parent is a majority of this lifetime so there's a lot to learn from. Parents have to first learn how to take care of a baby who then grows into a toddler, then a child, an awkward preteen, then a frustrating and still awkward teenager, then an adult who eventually becomes a parent of their own, then a grandparent. Funny how life ends up becoming a full circle, right? The point is, parents just have to try their best as they're learning day by day, too.

    There are certain things that children need to learn from their parents and that is respect, cooperation, and responsibility. These attributes will go a long way for the kids and society as there are a lot of people out there who don't obtain any of these characteristics. Children need to feel protected from their parents. They need to feel safe. They also need physical contact as that helps them know they belong and that they are loved and wanted. Children need discipline, nothing too harsh, but enough to help then learn to not do something bad again. Discipline may be hard to practice on someone you love, but that is a way to help them learn good behavior. Children also need to learn forgiveness. I think it's good for kids to see their parents apologize to them sometimes, too. It shows kids that mom and dad aren't perfect either. Parents should provide their kids with choices and allow their kids to stand the consequences. That will teach them "response-ability" for their actions. 

    At the end of the day, parenting is tough, but so worth it. At least I think so, but that's probably because I lucked out with my parents. My parents are some of my bestest friends. I have a good relationship with both of them. I have learned so much from them, and I continue to everyday. They are some of the greatest people out there. They may not feel as recognized right now because things aren't as they used. All of us kids are grown and moved out, and all are about to be married. We're all doing well in life and are successful, but that doesn't mean growing up is any easier for any of us, including my parents. We're all adult kids who still need their mom and dad for help and support. I don't think there comes a day in age where you don't need your parents. Parenting is really a life time gig if you think about it. Kids may not stay little for long, which is sad, but they're always going to rely on their mom and dad. So parents, be good to your kids, and don't let them go. They need you, even if they say they don't, in all stages of life.