Sunday, January 2, 2011

Copying Other Parents....


One of the things I remember most about high school is trying to fit in.. Wanting my friends and others to accept me.. I was shy and unsure in many ways... And now that I am the mother of two teen girls - I have learned that the feelings I had were very normal... Self -esteem in teens can come in highs and lows... I think as parents it is critically important to praise our children often... and when we have to discipline or correct - it must be specific not general... I have not done a great job on this... Many times in my frustration - I will say things like "You always keep messing up" or "I just don't know if I can trust you".... Looking back on those comments - I realize how harsh they sound... They sound as if I had given up on my own child... But that is so very far from the truth...

Instant wisdom and the right words did not come along just because I become a parent.. And unfortunately, I know that I will continue to screw up time to time.... I pray that the screws ups won't cause harm to my kids... I pray that as the years continue to go by - I will gain the knowledge to say and do the right things...

I think to be a better parent... a better person... We can copy from those that do it right... I remember years ago listening to Tony Robbins speak - he said that the way he became successful was copying successful people.... Copying the things that work... As parents - we can copy traits and actions from others that we believe are getting the job down... Creating long lasting loving relationships with their kids...

I am currently reading a wonderful book called How to Keep Your Teenager Out of Trouble and What to Do if You Can't by Dr. Neil I. Bernstein. I am not done with the book but I have to say that the advise I am reading makes sense to me and I believe I can put much of it into action... The most important people in my life are my girls and I want it all for them.. I want them to be blessed with long, happy, and healthy lives...

How do you parent?

3 comments:

  1. I agree that praise is so important for kids!! Things I wish I had done when my girls were teens ~ take the phone off the hook when we were eating dinner,no tv's in bedrooms, when I said no mean it, wait and think about things before saying no and so much more! So glad my girls turned out the way they did!

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  2. I tell my daughter that I am her Mother and that makes me more than just her friend. I also pray for God's Wisdom to parent because clearly, I haven't a clue, He does. :)

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