"Nothing, absolutely nothing has as much influence and power over our families and future generations in years to come" as parenthood, Michele Borba writes in "12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know." Being a father or mother can be challenging and confusing, but providing unconditional love, along with a few other things, is all it takes to be a great parent.
Seeing to Physical Needs
The most obvious aspect of child rearing is providing his physical needs: food, water and shelter. It helps to learn about nutrition so that you can give your child the wholesome and nutritious foods he needs for strength and intelligence. Teaching him about healthy foods will help him remain strong and healthy as an adult.
Switching Lifestyles
Being a parent completely rearranges your life. No longer are you free to fly by the seat of your pants. Once you're a parent you have to pack the diaper bag and see to it that the kids are clean, fed and dressed before you can even make yourself presentable. Instead of going to the theater, you stay home and watch a kids show on TV. But there is no greater love than that of a child's, and the blessing of that love can give you all the patience and energy you need to change your life in both simple and profound ways.
Providing Love
Unconditional love is the most important thing to provide. That means being a positive model for your children, no matter how challenging the job, because they look to you as an example. It also means caring about your children's feelings. Focus on the Family, a Christian-based parenting website, notes that parents must acknowledge their children's feelings to ensure that they feel understood.
Using Money as a Teaching Tool
In 2004 the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that families making over $70,200 would spend $269,520 on a child from birth to age 17, according to MSN Money. Although this amount sounds staggering, it includes the cost of housing, food and schooling. Parents who are too eager to please their children can inflate the cost greatly. Being mindful of the value of a dollar can teach a child how to handle money wisely. In refusing to give in to every demand for a new toy or treat at the store, a parent can teach a child that the needs of her siblings, mother and father are as important as her own. In giving family money to a good cause, a parent can teach a child the importance of empathy.
Continuing Healthy Traditions
The shelves at libraries and bookstores are crammed with parenting guides. But the key to being a great parent is trusting your gut, relying on family traditions to provide a strong base and spending time together. Dinner at the table gives your child an opportunity to discuss his day. Allow your own parents to participate in your child's life gives him a sense of family history. Holidays and getaways provide memorable experiences. With this kind of upbringing, your child will feel safe and secure. In the end, your reward may well be hearing your adult child tell you how much he treasure those memories.
References
- "12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know: Getting Back to Basics and Raising Happy Kids"; Michele Borba, Ed.D.; Jossey-Bass; 2006
- Focus on the Family: Acknowledging Feelings; Veola Vasquez
- MSN Money: Raising Your Quarter-Million Dollar Baby
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