Parenting — The Most Important Thing You’ll Ever Do

Becoming a parent is one of the best things that ever happened to me.  It changed my life in ways that I couldn’t begin to understand until many years later.   Even when it seems easy, raising children is still a difficult job.  You’re never off duty and your job really never truly ends.  You never stop being a parent even when your child is an adult.  Luckily, being a parent is one the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever have.

Sometimes –

I’m asked by new parents and parents-to-be for advice on parenting.  Even after raising my children and helping raise my younger brother; I still don’t have any secret tips.  Every child is different and every child will need something different at different times of his or her life.  There are a few things I learned along the way.

—  Be prepared to miss out on sleep — not just when you have a newborn who doesn’t sleep nights — but also while waiting up for a teenager to get home from a date — and all the years in between.

— Be prepared to have your heart melt when your child brings you a handmade gift and be prepared to have your heart broken when your child comes to you crying because the kid next door was mean to him or her.

— Be prepared for your life to change in so many wonderful and unexpected ways.

The one thing I can always tell a new parent is that it all so worth it.  You’ll get past the sleepless nights, the “terrible twos” and those teenage years.  You’ll actually find those years go all too quickly.  And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to experience some of it again as a grandparent.

My Advice?

My most important advice to all parents is to realize the influence that you as a parent have on your child.  As a teacher, this is the one thing that I wish I could have emphasized more to the parents of my students.

****It’s important to realize that your children are always watching and learning from you. ***

As a parent, you influence your child’s life by your actions, your lack of action and your acceptance of your child’s personality.

“Watching You” by Rodney Atkins

This is one of my favorite songs about parenting. Maybe because it reminds me of my husband with our daughter and son when they were little. And maybe because it reminds me of my son with his 3 little boys now. We are truly blessed.

(I don’t own any part of the record company and I don’t know Rodney Atkins.  I just like this song.)  You can find the lyrics at the bottom of this post.

What parenting advice do you wish someone had given you before you had kids?  If you’ve already raised your family, what parenting advice would you give a new parent?

Special note:  This blog post is not written or intended to qualify for professional advice from me to any one who might read it.  I am writing purely from my experience as a mother, grandmother and a teacher of 24 years.  There are many agencies and websites available that will give you professional advice.  If you feel you need professional parenting advice please contact your child’s school counselor, your minister or a family services support group.  If you can’t find one of those groups in your area, contact me and I will do my best to help you find a place to start.

 

Click on the title of the song if you want to watch the video on Youtube again.

“Watching You” song by Rodney Atkins

Driving through town just my boy and me

With a happy meal in his booster seat

Knowing that he couldn’t have the toy

Till his nuggets were gone

A green traffic light turned straight to red

I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath

His fries went a flying and his orange drink covered his lap

Well then my four year old said a four letter word

That started with “s” and I was concerned

So I said son now now where did you learn to talk like that

[Chorus]

He said I’ve been watching you dad, ain’t that cool

I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you

And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are

We got cowboy boots and camo pants

Yeah we’re just alike, hey ain’t we dad

I wanna do everything you do

So I’ve been watching you

We got back home and I went to the barn

I bowed my head and I prayed real hard

Said Lord please help me help my stupid self

Then this side of bedtime later that night

Turning on my son’s Scooby Doo nightlight

He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees

He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands

And spoke to God like he was talking to a friend

And I said son now where’d you learn to pray like that

[Chorus]

He said I’ve been watching you dad, ain’t that cool

I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you

And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are

We like fixing things and holding mama’s hand

Yeah we’re just alike, hey ain’t we dad

I wanna do everything you do

So I’ve been watching you

With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug

Said my little bear is growing up

He said but when I’m big I’ll still know what to do

[Chorus)

Cause I’ve been watching you dad, ain’t that cool

I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you

And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are

By then I’ll be as strong as superman

We’ll be just alike, hey won’t we dad

When I can do everything you do

Cause I’ve been watching you end of lyrics

 

Note:  This is an updated version of a post from last year.  It’s an important topic for me.