Raising Little Responsibilities

Being a parent is one of the most amazing jobs we can have. Raising children teaches us a lot more about ourselves, our partner, and where we want to be with our parenting. How do we parent in love? How do we adapt to their needs as best we can? How can be cope with not being the "perfect parent?"

"In order to promote optimal development and to rear children in love and righteousness, the following are crucial elements for each child, although specific implementations and approaches may be individualized based upon the needs and personality of the particular child:

• Love, warmth, and support 

• Clear and reasonable expectations for competent behavior

• Limits and boundaries with some room for negotiation and compromise

• Reasoning and developmentally appropriate con-sequences and punishments for breaching established       limits

• Opportunities to perform competently and make choices

• Absence of coercive, hostile forms of discipline, such as harsh physical punishment, love withdrawal,      shaming, and inflicting guilt

• Models of appropriate behavior consistent with self-control, positive values, and positive attitudes

The foregoing bulleted list constitutes some of the characteristics of the authoritative style of child rearing..." (Successful Marriages and Families, Hawkins, et. al)

Each child is different and will require different parenting techniques. Being patient with ourselves as well as our children is essential to humble, loving parenting. 

I think it is important to note that our children our going to love us despite us being imperfect parents. Keep trying. The older children become, the more they tend to realize their parents really did the best they could. You will not be the perfect parent, but if you work with yourself and your spouse, be open to learning or trying things different, and strive to parent with your children's best interested at heart, you will be an amazing parent.