Up For A Challenge? Try Parenting

Wow... getting into the routine of blogging regularly is a challenge! Thank you to all of you who read and follow my posts! I will become more proficient at this!

I want to take a quick moment to share what I believe the single greatest thing a person can do in this life is. 

Be a parent. 

If you love a challenge, there is none greater, that's for sure! There was a GREAT video going around social media about an interview for the toughest job and it was spot on accurate. You are on call 24/7.  And parenting, despite the rough moments, hands down it is worth it.

Everything impacting a child's life begins at home in the early years. It doesn't matter if the family is birth, foster, adoptive, same sex - it really doesn't. What matters is the QUALITY of those relationships. Humans are born with a mimicking reflex so everything we do is being absorbed by their rapidly developing minds.

I know I'm no veteran when it comes to parenting, but I feel I've had some pretty incredible role models in my life. Plenty of what to do and what not to do. I've read books, observed others, agreed with some ideas, disagreed with others. But I feel quality parenting comes down to 5 key ideas (in no particular order).

1. Protect. I don't mean overprotect - they have to learn some lessons the hard way! But keep them safe while allowing them the freedom to grow and flourish. 

2. Patience. Everyone seeks to be heard, to be understood. Young children more than anything so it is OUR job as parents to demonstrate that we understand them before we help them find the words. Learning means making mistakes. When upset, don't react emotionally (and yes! this is a tough one) but respond with...

3. Love. Physical, emotional and spiritual. Lots of hugs and positive affirmations; time spent together doing things WITH them not just supervising. Giving of yourself so that they may feel valued.

4.  Demonstrate. Do you want them to do more than watch television? SHOW them! Demonstrate how to be caring, serving citizens by being one yourself - have them join you in projects! Give them responsibility and guidance and marvel in how capable they are becoming. Tell them how proud you are of them!

5. Forgive. This one has to work both ways. Know that they will challenge you, test you. That's good! That's healthy! Forgive them their mistakes. Know too that you will make mistakes and you are not perfect - forgive yourself.

There will be days that are hell, days that are heaven. It's an emotional roller coaster with no exit. But when those little eyes lock on to yours... there is a piece of your heart that swells so much it could burst at any moment ♥