I have been giving thought to the difficulties parents of today face in raising their children. A young woman I know is facing the same dilemma as many young parents do today. She works full time, home schools her son, cares for a toddler, and feels she is not doing enough. I worked full time while being a parent, too, but times were different in the 70's and 80's when we were raising our daughter. There was less stress, less worry about someone harming our child when she was not in our sight, and a general feeling of security that does not exist today.
I would not want to be a parent today, the way things are now. But I do wish I could assure this young mother that she is doing a phenomenal job of parenting. I see how tired she is and how sometimes things just don't seem to be going as she would like. She worries that she is failing in some way. But I don't think she is failing at all.
I know others her age who are so self-involved that they don't really think about the things they need to be considering when it comes to their children. They let TV and video games be the teacher to their children. They don't talk to their children. They don't spend real time with their children in activities the child enjoys. Instead they drop their children off to sports or gymnastics or dance classes rather than stay and be a part of what their children are doing.
I am glad this young mother feels so strongly about her children and what is happening in their lives. That takes a great deal of effort in her busy, demanding life. I know when her children look back as adults, they will realize what an awesome parent she is.
It is said that children are our future. As a teacher, a parent, and a grandparent, I know that this is an irrefutable fact. If the adults of this world take time to invest in their children in a personal, meaningful way, the world of the future will change. Those children will take responsibility for their actions, care about others, and understand that what they say and do each day of their lives does effect the world around them. If our children are positive minded, self-reliant, and willing to take responsibility in a personal way for their actions, the world will be affected in a positive way both in their present and in the future to follow them.
Parenting is a huge responsibility and it is only natural (and healthy) for the parent to feel he or she is at times failing at this task. But effort will pay off. If it all seemed easy and effortless, then we would be failing as parents. So, to this young woman and all the other men and women like her who are struggling with parenthood, I congratulate you on your efforts and encourage you to continue what you are doing. Certainly, some mistakes will be made along the way, but the end result will be worth all the effort.
I would not want to be a parent today, the way things are now. But I do wish I could assure this young mother that she is doing a phenomenal job of parenting. I see how tired she is and how sometimes things just don't seem to be going as she would like. She worries that she is failing in some way. But I don't think she is failing at all.
I know others her age who are so self-involved that they don't really think about the things they need to be considering when it comes to their children. They let TV and video games be the teacher to their children. They don't talk to their children. They don't spend real time with their children in activities the child enjoys. Instead they drop their children off to sports or gymnastics or dance classes rather than stay and be a part of what their children are doing.
I am glad this young mother feels so strongly about her children and what is happening in their lives. That takes a great deal of effort in her busy, demanding life. I know when her children look back as adults, they will realize what an awesome parent she is.
It is said that children are our future. As a teacher, a parent, and a grandparent, I know that this is an irrefutable fact. If the adults of this world take time to invest in their children in a personal, meaningful way, the world of the future will change. Those children will take responsibility for their actions, care about others, and understand that what they say and do each day of their lives does effect the world around them. If our children are positive minded, self-reliant, and willing to take responsibility in a personal way for their actions, the world will be affected in a positive way both in their present and in the future to follow them.
Parenting is a huge responsibility and it is only natural (and healthy) for the parent to feel he or she is at times failing at this task. But effort will pay off. If it all seemed easy and effortless, then we would be failing as parents. So, to this young woman and all the other men and women like her who are struggling with parenthood, I congratulate you on your efforts and encourage you to continue what you are doing. Certainly, some mistakes will be made along the way, but the end result will be worth all the effort.
1 comments:
What a great post, Mom - and photos too!
Parenting is difficult, especially so in my scenario. I want so much to be a part of Connor's life, in a daily way, that is just not possible. It's hard to know how I can be the best Mom, parent, and resource to Connor when so much stands in the way. Still, I'm determined to be involved (as best I can), and I'll continue to pray that God will direct our paths. Thank you again for such sage words of wisdom. You're awesome!!!
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