Being a parent can be a very tough job. It’s difficult to avoid the pitfalls of your own childhood issues. It can be helpful to focus on the fact that your child may be your offspring, but he or she is a new person and will face unique challenges as well as all the usual childhood journeys. My children have brought joy and complexity to my life, challenging me in ways I could not have imagined. I have made mistakes and continue to make mistakes. I do not give up and will always try to give my children the best. Here are some mistakes I have made that could be helpful for other parents to understand and avoid.
1. Just parent.
Don’t be afraid to parent your child. When my children were babies, I would prefer to let my husband calm them in restaurants. I had gotten used to a daily routine at home, but somehow, the change of venue terrified me. Now, I have no problem with my kids in any setting. I really don’t know what I was thinking back then.
2. Don’t be too silly.
I love joking around with my kids. I even make up silly songs, poems and voices for their stuffed animals. My daughter had no issues with this, but my son sometimes finds it difficult knowing when to be silly and when not to be silly at school. Sometimes, life is serious.
3. Let them grow.
I’ve had to accept that my children are now school age and have outgrown “Sesame Street” and Sippy cups. Some behaviors, like pouring cereal for my kids, had become part of my routine for years. I have to remember that my children are always growing and changing and can even make their own breakfast sometimes.
Parenting is a journey and all parents are on it. Being a good parent is always a work in progress for me. Maybe no-one is handing out gold stars to me for improving, but seeing my kids grow up healthy is the best reward.