See Below for TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR THE TRUTHS ABOUT PARENTING
This post is all about the Simple Truths About Parenting and the Realization of How Hard Parenting can be!!
What are the Truths About Parenting?
What are the simple truths about parenting? In the United States, we are not taught how to parent in high school or college.
Parents are not provided a rule book for what to do and what not to do. Most experiences we have learned from our own parenting relationships while growing up.
But is that enough to become a good parent? The simple truths about parenting are…. WHO KNOWS!!
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Parenting is Not a Noun
It’s important to understand that parenting is not a noun. Parenting is truly a verb. It’s an action parents try to achieve everyday while raising children.
As parents, we welcome a baby into our homes, our lives, and our hearts. We nurture them. We coddle and protect our babies from everything, including the world around us.
The truths about parenting are, that parents are doing their best to understand or TRY to understand what our babies need as they grow into toddlers.
Parenthood is filled with the responsibilities of taking care of our child’s needs from the day they were born, without really knowing what their baby’s particular needs will be! Parenting truly is a learn-as-you-go experience!
New Parents
Understandably, being a new parent can be nerve wracking. It’s difficult not to worry about something. Is my baby eating enough or sleeping enough? Are they wet or gassy? Could they be tired or overly tired? Why are they crying? What can I do to help? How can I fix their problem?
So one of the simple truths of parenting is, all parents, new or experienced feel this way! Parents ask themselves these questions with infants and throughout their children’s lives.
Parenthood is a scary unlearned territory that has no concrete rules. Unlike other professions, such as, teachers or police officers, no one explains what parents can and can’t do while raising children.
Of course, and thank goodness, there are legal guidelines for parents and all adults with children. Therefore, it is important to recognize that some adults and parents do not look out for children’s best interests and should be held accountable for any and all neglectful behaviors.
To find help for a personal situation or to report abuse or neglect, contact Child Welfare.
However, the majority of parents cherish and protect their children. They look out for their children’s well-being from infancy throughout their young adult years, and beyond.
Yes, as parents we coddle and cater to our children, especially our babies and toddlers. That is perfectly necessary and exactly what they need.
Children’s Independence
Good parenting
Children’s independence is another one of the truths about parenting. This post may include affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you.
As our children get older, they learn a sense of independence. Meaning the parents who dressed their babies and toddlers may no longer “needed” the same way. Independence is a healthy stage in a child’s life. It is our job as parents to teach our children to become independent.
Many children begin feeling their independence at 2 or 3 years of age. Parents may hear, “I do it”! That independent stage may include dressing themselves to going to potty, getting in and out of a car seat or walking outside without holding a hand.
These independence steps are huge strides for littles one self-esteem and development. Learning and practicing new skills are vitally important for a child’s growth.
However, little ones do not understand dangerous situations, so safety should be a guiding factor when allowing independence in certain circumstances.
Along with independence comes reluctance and hesitance from parents. Parents are continually trying to figure out their child’s next stage and how their parental role may need to shift over the years.
Teenage Years: Truths About Parenting
The biggest stage of independence begins in the teenage years. Although parents may find difficulties and challenges in teenagers, their biggest fear is typically their teen’s independence.
Another one of the simple truths of parenting teenagers is the feeling of loss. Parents often feel they will lose their connection and relationship when their adolescence become teenagers. But what parents are generally feeling is a lack of control over their teenagers getting older.
Yes, it is true that teenagers begin to establish their own opinions. Often those opinions may be different from their parents. Teens also begin to make their own decisions about their life, their choices, and their schooling. This can be difficult for some parents to manage.
Parents often want to set the path and guidelines for their teens to follow. Therefore, it may be hard for parents to handle their teen’s independent decisions.
These types of parent and teen conflicts or disagreements are VERY typical. Remember you and your teen have generational differences that cannot be changed. It may help if parents reflect on their own relationship with their own parents when they were a teenager.
Understanding your teen’s personal choices and behaviors may benefit both teens and parents. It is ok to discuss and debate various choices to be resolved and satisfy both you and your teen.
As a mother of five, and a grandmother now raising two teenagers, I have learned to listen to all my teenager’s ideas and options, attempt to negotiate, then aim to compromise. Compromising helps teens and parents continue to build healthy and respectful relationships.
One of the simple truths of parenting is, your job as a parent is to raise your children to become independent and make their own choices and decisions in the world.
Providing support and encouragement while raising teenagers will give them the opportunity to make wrong decisions at times, and still have the love and guidance they will need from their parents.
For more information about teens, see 13 Heart-Pounding Emotions Raising Teenagers.
Parenthood Changes: Truths About Parenting
Keep in mind, parenthood does not end when your child turns 18 or graduates. Children as young adults still need guidance from parents so they can move into their next chapter successfully. Don’t abandon your children during their transitional years.
These may be the most important years when your teenager needs parental support. A parent’s role is to give them wings so they can fly. Be sure their wings are strong enough for their independent flight before you let go!
Also, with each stage of your child’s life, there is excitement and adventure. There are endless opportunities for progress and advancement. Watching children grow into independent beings is fantastic and fascinating. It is also terrifying and challenging, filled with anxiety and angst.
But, all of those experiences and emotions are the joy and heartache of parenthood.
Remember, every human being is different from others. Therefore, every parent is different from the other. Being different is ok!
Showing our differences is a wonderful way to share other people’s perspectives and try to understand the world through others’ viewpoints.
Appreciating Children’s Uniqueness
The simple truths about parenting are learning how to care for your child, whether they are an infant or a teenager, and appreciating them as an individual. It’s important to always keep in mind that EVERY child is a unique individual.
Every child has their own idiosyncrasies and quirkiness. Not all children are scholars or athletes. Learning who your child is as an individual as the most important lesson a parent can achieve.
Understanding and supporting your child’s strengths and oddities is far more important than showering them with things or possessions. Don’t discourage your child from being the distinctive person they are, or want to be.
Many times, children hide their “true” selves to protect their parent’s disappointment. DON’T BE DISAPPOINTED IN WHO YOUR CHILD REALLY IS!!!!!
Accepting Children’s Preferences
The simple truths about parenting are acceptance. Children’s preferences, styles, likes, and dislikes change very often as they grow. Parents, it’s ok to let them be who they want to be.
They are still trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be. If you give them your love and support, they’ll be ok!
Some parents are happy to allow their children the opportunity to explore and venture out on their own independent road. Other parents are more protective.
Be mindful that your parental decisions include your child’s best interest and not yours. Remember, your children are not you.
They have their own individual personalities and their own interests. Be sure to honor and respect their choices.
Boundless Parenting: Tools, Tactics and Habits of Great Parents; Truths About Parenting
Parents Are Doing Fine!
The bottom line is that most parents are doing great. You’re getting it right. Doing just fine!
Seriously, the simple truths about parenting are that Parenting is NOT an easy job, but you’re doing it!! Keep on going. Keep up the good work!!
Parenthood is exhausting and frustrating. All parents constantly question their abilities to raise their children. As parents, marriages are strained. Our professions are stretched.
As parents, our finances are over-extended. If you are a grandparent raising grandkids, see THE JOYS AND EXHAUSTION OF PARENTING GRANDCHILDREN
PARENTING IS HARD, but it is also very rewarding. The most rewarding job you will EVER experience. With love and confidence and perseverance, you got this, because, YOU’RE A PARENT!!
The post is about the Simple Truths About Parenting and the questions parents ask themselves everyday!
This post may include affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. For full disclosure read here.
TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR THE SIMPLE TRUTHS ABOUT PARENTING
- Parenting is HARD! Give yourself a break. If your child is clothed, fed and smiling, you’re doing just fine!
- Allow your child to be independent. Be patient & let them do things for themselves. EVEN toddlers!
- It’s OK if both parents don’t agree to a particular rule or practice. We are all individuals. Find common ground so children are not confused by the expectations.
- Appreciate your child’s uniqueness. It’s ok to be different. Accept your children for who they are and not who you think they should be.
- Don’t stop parenting at a specific age! All children develop at different timelines. Provide support as needed. (Within reason!!) If children have a supportive upbringing, you’ll know when to cut the apron strings!!
