What Parenting is Not
Parenting is NOT overprotecting
A lot of parents think that they need to overprotect their children. These parents think their children should not fall down or get hurt. While it may sound good, it does not help the child. Children who are overprotected grow up afraid to try new things and explore.
As children develop their gross and fine motor skills, they will fall down. Parents who are overprotective, should not panic when their children fall down. When parents panic, children sense it. As long as the child is not severely injured, parents should tell the child they are fine and they can stand up.
Parents can create a safe environment for the child to explore and play. Teach your children what is safe to touch and what is not.
Parenting is NOT making up for the mistakes the parents made
Some parents do whatever it takes so that their children do not make the same mistakes they did. This is not bad. It is, in fact, very admirable. It is wrong when parents make their children their salvation. Our children do not make us better people, only we can do that. So, there is no need to force your child to be all that you can not be. Encourage them to develop their own interests. Tell them about the mistakes you made and the lessons you learned from those mistakes. Let them make their own choices. You can be there as a guide to tell them what you think. Then, stand back and let them learn from their own mistakes.
Parenting is NOT indulging the child
Parenting is not letting the child have their way all the time. Children who get their way grow up with childlike tendencies. For example, if your child throws a tantrum, calmly talk to your child. Or give the child time out. Time out should last one minute per every year of life. Do not let the child have their own way. If they get what they want, you tell them that throwing a tantrum works.
Parenting is NOT a set of rules
Parenting is not a set of rules to follow. What works for one child may not work for another child. Parents should try different methods and see what works. Parents need to think through their actions and do the best you can with the resources you have. Do not be afraid to ask for advice. But, make up your own mind about what you should do. Give yourself room for mistakes.
Being a parent requires patience, consistency and and most of all, love. Although it requires hard work, it is very rewarding.
Published by Emylou
Emylou is a 28 year old stay at home mom who loves to write. View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentI didn't know you teach. I think Seattle students should feel grateful for you. I like the part that parents shouldn't be too focused on giving the kids what they didn't have.
Cool. Inspired work.
Great advice...interesting angle!
agreed, totally!
A big AMEN to all of these!
Terrific advice :) Sheri
Love the title! Excellent article. :-)
I think this is a great way to think about parenting. Thanks for sharing with everyone.
Very good article - kids are so over-indulged and over-protected today. when they get out in the world, they don't know how to handle the least bit of negativity or what they may perceive as rejection.
Amen!! One of the hardest things in the world, without a doubt, is PARENTING!!! It is painful to see your child hurt, upset, heart broken. And yet, we have to keep in mind what the end result is....rather than what is easier today. Great piece!