You May Not Want To Read This….

Okay, I warned you! But, I’m sure you’ll read this anyway and I hope you do.  This has been very heavy on my heart lately and it’s something that we as parents usually don’t want to hear.

As I watch the television shows, go through the many magazines and visit the malls, I am disappointed with what our children are exposed to.  It is very sad to see the fashions that are enticing our children, not to mention the language that is spoken.  What has this world come to?  But have no fear, you can still make a difference.

We as parents or at least I as a parent, want and desire to raise happy, healthy and stable children.  This is a choice and a decision that our family has chosen and mainly because it is the ‘right’ thing to do but also because we want to see our children ultimately succeed as adults.  The rearing begins at home! There I said it!

I’ve heard many, many parents complain and some in tears because of the actions their children take.  Many of these children are disrespectful towards their families, parents, other elders and themselves.  This is when I ask the question – ‘What will you as the parent, do about such behavior?’  Many will look at me with confused looks and many are completely disillusioned and unable to give me an answer.

You see, I am a mom to 5 children and take full responsibility for their actions, their words and their behavior.  Yes, me!! Why? Because I am the parent and their role model.  If I don’t like the way they behave or the comments they say, I must evaluate my parenting skills.  Our children will mimic our every move and our every word.  Perhaps not in front of us, but they do!  So, if you do not like a particular behavior our child may be exhibiting we must look to ourselves.  We must be aware of our actions, words and mannerisms.  We are to blame, not school, society or their friends.

Parents it is up to us to raise happy, healthy and stable children that will lead to happy, healthy and stable adults.  Parenting is not easy which is why we need a support system.  Mom and dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, teachers, neighbors must all be on the same page when it comes to the rearing of our children.  Our children are very smart and will determine a way to break the rules.  Honestly, as a child I’m sure you did the same thing, I know I did.  But if everyone is on the same page, the child has no other choice but to abide by the given rules and boundaries.

So, although this is something that is difficult for us to digest, it is the truth.  It’s never to late to implement rules, boundaries, discipline and consequences.  We can accomplish all of this in a loving and understanding manner, but we must be aware of it first.  Take a look at your children today.  Watch how they act with their friends, their siblings, and even their toys.  You’ll be amazed and what they pick up from us, the positive and oh yes, the negative too.  You can do it! Remember you are never alone, and I am always in your corner.

Tagged as: Desire, Dr. Daisy Sutherland, Fear, going retro, Heavy On My Heart, Mannerisms, Mom, Parenting, Parenting Skills, Parents, Retro Parenting, Role Model, Television