The ABC's of Parenting

There will never be a book, blog, or article that will prepare you for being a parent. Everyone will have their advise and wisdom to share with you. Appreciate what everyone has to say, and know that every child is different. Even in the same family - what works with one kid may not work with another. One thing I have learned, 3 babies later, is that parenting can feel tough, often. One common thing among all parents is that we all feel the same at some point - like we may not be good enough. Or maybe we aren't qualified to do this. Or - wow, I really screwed up... how about this one - Did I really just yell at my kid for spilling water? Life. Work. Marriage. Relationships. Unwanted drama. We all have it. No matter where you grew up or how you were raised, chances are, in today's world, you are experiencing some form of Stress! So instead of trying to write the Rights and Wrongs of parenting or condemning everyone else of something I probably did yesterday, I felt led to write a list of Reminders for all parents. No matter how old your children are. I think this list will apply to us all.

Always love your children. No matter what. God gave them to you on purpose.
Be easy on yourself. Nobody has parenting down to an art. Every child is different.
Care about everything they have to say, one day they may not want to share anything with you.
Don't doubt your abilities. A bad day doesn't make you a bad parent or a bad person.
Every day will seem long, cherish them because the years are short.
Forgive them quickly - no, immediately. They are just little kids.
Give them lots of love, hugs, kisses, and fun memories. They deserve a great childhood.
Hear what they are telling you. They are usually pretty funny people.
Inspire them to be like Christ. Teach them to give and also love others.
Just have fun with them, no matter what you are doing together.
Keep your priorities straight - don't spend hours cleaning when you could be spending time with them.
Learn to love every stage of every age, even the terrible 2's. You will miss them when they are teens.
Make time for each child, each day, to tell them how awesome they are and that you love them.
Never allow your mistakes to define you. Allow God's Word to define you.
Open your heart to them. They will pour into you.
Pray for them and with them daily. They will learn to pray on their own quickly.
Quit thinking about what you should have done - it's in the past.
Respect your parents more for raising you - now you see how tough it was.
Say your sorry when you mess up. They are always quick to forgive.
Talk to them about their day and about their future. Explore their imagination.
Understand what they are going through. Remember how you felt at their age.
Value the time you do have. Don't allow busyness to keep you from bonding.
Worry not - trust in the Lord. He has it all under control.
Xpect things to go differently than planned, and don't freak out when they do.
You will not be able to be a perfect parent, and that's okay.
Zip it when you feel the urge to yell. Just breathe and walk away. You won't regret that.

I wish letter Y didn't apply. I wish I could be that perfect parent. However, on this earth, that's not possible. Learning to accept that we make mistakes can be tough. Many of these are a work in progress for myself. No matter how many times we mess up though, just remember you aren't the only parent in the world feeling ashamed or regretting something you just did. Slow down and pray. Allow your Heavenly Father to help you, for He created you and knows you more than you know yourself.