Simplicity Brings Much Fruit

As a parent, there are no absolutes. There isn't an instruction manual that provides detailed directions about what to do when. I'm not entirely sure if this instruction manual would be more harm than good. I know in my own experiences, I sure wanted one when my boys were younger, but can't imagine the stress over following instructions and the lack of thought that would have gone into my own choices. The only musts for child-rearing are love, discipline, and more love.

So, I resort to some simple truths that I have learned and would share with friends or new parents.

1. Keep things simple. The more stuff you put on your plate, or your child's the more problems you are likely to have, which include outburst, stress, and pulling out hair '" for child or parent.

2. Stop and smell the roses. Have you ever been frustrated at how slow children walk, as they ponder the blueness of the sky, or stop to watch an ant crawl across the sidewalk with a massive potato chip on their backs? We all have. Delight in these moments. They quickly fade and turn into competitive rivalries on video games. Slow down with your child. You certainly won't regret it.

3. Forget about your inhibitions, if you didn't already lose them during childbirth. Your child will certainly embarrass you when you try on a swimsuit, go to the bathroom, or when you're in the grocery store and they share with a stranger anything that you wouldn't want them repeating in public. You WILL be able to laugh at these moments someday, you might as well try to start now. It will make life more fun.

4. Have fun. I used to tell my kids, if you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong. Often, there was just an attitude shift needed, but I think it means a lot more when you show them that you are having fun, no matter what you do. (Yes, even when you don't want to do something.) I've had conversations with my boys who never realized I didn't truly enjoy participating in (fill in blank for activity you most "love"). How much more enjoyable is life when you attempt to make it fun? This is the greatest gift you can give to your child '" aside from love.

Lastly, don't be afraid to make mistakes. We all make them and usually learn more from the mistakes that we've made than from successes we've had in life. You grow from these and move forward with a smile.