Three Parenting Truths I Have Learned
The pandemic has been a wake up call for parenting. So many things have been uncertain, and parenting has become harder and more challenging than it already was.
I heard someone say, life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. Rather, it's about learning to dance in the rain. As parents, we need to adjust with any circumstance. Our children look up to us, and it is our responsibility to be able to model resilience and hope.
In this episode, I would like to share with you the three parenting truths I have learned in my twelve years of parenting. Truths that can guide you in your own parenting journey.
Kids Deserve Respect
Everybody deserves respect, kids included. When we respect others, it teaches everyone to take responsibility for their own thoughts and actions. Respect is a foundation of parenting. Oftentimes, we unconsciously practice dictatorship or control over our children, just because they are kids and we are the parents. However, we should remember that our kids deserve the same respect as anyone else. If we model respect, they will become respectful adults in the future.
Kids Don’t Need Threats Or Bribes
Most parents are guilty of this in one way or another. Sometimes, when we go through conflict with our kids, we tend to threaten them or bribe them just so they will stop their tantrums, but this is not a good way to resolve a conflict. It will only condition their minds that this is the way to resolve issues. Instead, what we should enforce is setting boundaries. Setting boundaries is giving a more positive response to our kids during conflict. We are not forcing them, rather we are facilitating the environment. Watch your language, and be more conscious.
Kids Are Wired For Connection
I believe in connecting over correcting. One example of this is when during a conflict, we ask our child to say sorry to the person they have had conflict with. And this is a perfect example of correcting. But chances are this is not effective, saying sorry is nothing but a word unless it comes from the heart. So instead of correcting, we should be connecting. And how do we do that? Again, by choosing our language. A language that cares and longs for connection, and not correction.
Learning From Our Mistakes…
Parenting is not easy and mistakes are unavoidable, but learning from those mistakes is what’s important and needed. We need to invest in our personal growth as a parent, and learn about ways to connect with our children.
I wanted to share these three truths because we all need a reminder at the end of the day. The weather and the storm are all temporary, everything goes by. We just have to strap our rain boots on, and just dance in the rain.