What My Three Children Taught Me

When my daughter was first placed in my arms, I remember thinking, “What if I’m not a good parent?” I read so many parenting books, but just like all the teaching training I had was completely different from an actual classroom, parenting was a learn as you go experience for me.

One thing I know for sure is you should talk to other parents, share struggles, and use advice that works for you. When you listen to other parents you realize you are not alone in this adventure.

My children all survived and thrived despite my many failures that were mixed in with some wonderful triumphs. My children taught me the lessons that the parenting books did not. Here are several of those lessons.

·       Giving your children everything teaches them nothing.

·       Your time is the greatest gift to give to your children.

·       Actions come with consequences.

·       Good behavior should be taught early.

·       Your children want you to be in charge. It will make them feel safer.

·       Don’t focus on your failures, learn from them.

·       Monitor your children, too much freedom can be dangerous.

·       Don’t worry about looking silly when you play with your children.

·       Create traditions and memories.

·       Say I love you often.

·       Let your children find their identity without pushing yours on them.

·       Keep your cool and respond calmly.

·       Teach them kindness.

·       Take them outside.

·       Enforce limited screen time.

·       Be their advocate.

·       Give them a healthy sense of money.

·       Watch your words.

·       Be a model for them.

·       Provide them with wonder.

·       A sense of humor can change everything.

Good luck with your parenting journey. There will be good days and bad, but you will figure it out as you go.