Parenting 101, Chapter Two

 

Being a parent is the one job that most people are totally, TOTALLY unprepared for and yet eagerly seek out. We procreate with abandon and then seem baffled by the consequences!

Yes, I commented on this topic in January, but I feel compelled this morning to expound on a couple of points that may have gotten lost in translation.

1. Having a child is not like ordering off the menu at your favorite restaurant. To quote my kindergarten students, “you take what you get, and you don’t throw a fit”. Creating a child is like playing the lottery. The chances of getting one who perfectly matches all of your hopes, dreams, expectations, and abilities are at least a million to one. As a parent you will most assuredly be expected to understand, support, train, and encourage a child with wants, needs, skills, behaviors, and personality traits that are often in direct contrast to your own.
2. There are no “do overs” in parenting. Some might say that grandparenting is the ultimate do-over, but that is little consolation to parents in the midst of conflicts, challenges, or even heartache. You can make changes in your life each and every day. You can learn new techniques. You can be a better parent today than you were yesterday. But you can’t erase what happened yesterday or what you did yesterday. Even forgiveness doesn’t mean we get to skip the consequences of our actions.

I want to encourage parents this morning to take a good look at their role and remember that God created your child as a separate human being, not just an extension of you or your ego. Sometimes we have to take a “step back” to see the big picture.

And remember, that I learned my lessons the hard way- by being a parent. My children will tell you that I wasn’t always a very good one.

Give someone a hug today!!

Comments

[diana Weger]

Well said, I will take all the advice I can get! I am still learning every single day! Parenting is by far the most challenging...but best job yet!!

[Megan]

Please keep teaching us about life and parenting. I need all the input I can get. Even a reminding is helpful.