Parenting could easily be one of the most difficult tasks and the most important responsibility you have in your life. When a baby is born, he is completely dependent upon you for all his basic needs. As children grow up, they need their parents to provide them with adequate life skills to be able to survive and thrive in the world as adults. The main task of parenting is ultimately to have your children leave you.
History
In older times, parenting skills were taught by your extended family, as people normally lived close to their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. These family members used to impart wisdom about all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and bringing up children. In modern times, since the late 20th and early 21st centuries, AllAboutParenting reports that parents have had to learn creative ways to bring up children by reading books, surfing the Internet, taking classes and making friends with other parents.
Identification
AllAboutParenting reports that one of the most important parenting skills is discipline. This can be a source of conflict within parents as you search for the balance between providing enough discipline and making sure your child still feels loved and supported unconditionally. Parents do not want to hurt their child's feeling or crush his spirit, but need to set firm enough boundaries to make a child aware of what constitutes positive and negative actions and to receive appropriate consequences when necessary, including time-outs, extra chores or loss of privileges.
Features
In addition to discipline, parenting skills also include being able to effectively provide education about a number of different topics, including diet, sanitary habits, organizing one's things, how to study and making friends. Good parents have to be good teachers and role models for their children in all aspects of life, from having good careers to healthy eating and exercise habits to having positive relationships.
Significance
According to the British Medical Journal, parenting is the most significant public health issue facing modern society. The Journal reports that poor parenting skills are the single biggest variable that is implicated in contributing to teenage pregnancy, childhood illnesses and accidents, juvenile crime, truancy, mental illness and unemployment.
Considerations
Parents can learn more about how to develop good parenting skills through websites like FamilyDoctor.org, Parenting.org and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services site (see Resources). Parents can also take parenting skills classes from a local hospital or midwife and by following the examples of people who are exceptional parents.
