Raising a child is not an easy task. But the life lessons I learned from parenting has changed my life. Before children, I thought the toughest lessons that I would learn would be taught from life. Little did I know 10 life lessons I learned from parenting would be the most valuable.
1. Live by example
Parenting 101 tells you that your children are always watching you and asking questions. Children are observant creatures by nature. Your child is ultimately the mini version of you. Let’s face it, your child will become who you are.
Living by example will show your children how to be a good person. How to show compassion, and respect for others around them. Teaching them how to be good little citizens, who will grow into even bigger good citizens. Encouraging them to be as great as they can me.
2. Pay attention and show affection
We had to learn the hard way how important it is to pay attention and show affection is to our children. After having our first daughter, our second daughter was born 10 months later. With the two of them being 10 months apart attention and affection was a jealous battle. And it’s only quite natural. The big baby was enjoying all of the attention until the new baby arrives and attention and affection has to then be spread out.
Paying attention and showing affection is not something we parents chose to fail at. But, it happens especially when you have multiples.
If your child is struggling with behavior problems or has episodes of tantrums it could be a cry out for some attention and affection. Children need unconditional love and acceptance regardless of their behavior.
Giving each child the attention and affection they need for development has the positive benefits of increasing their self-esteem and encouraging them to communicate. Speak words of affirmation to them daily. Make it a routine, this will reassure your children that they have your attention and affection.
RELATED: Overcoming Mom-Guilt
3. Remember children are humans too
We all make mistakes. When was the last time you made a mistake? I am sure it wasn’t that long ago. I make mistakes daily, but often I do not admit to them. And I probably will never take responsibility for my mistakes if it makes me look bad in front of my children.
But, children will definitely call you out on your mistakes every chance they get. Our children hold us accountable and it can be embarrassing. But we all are learning.
So, why is it not acceptable for our children to make mistakes? Making mistakes provides us with learning experiences and opportunities.
When was the last time you were punished for having a bad attitude? Why is it that it’s ok for you to have a bad day but we punish our children for having a bad day? I don’t know about you but I have my days when I am feeling moody and I am here to bluntly tell you that your children will have those days too.
And that’s ok. Keep in mind that our children are human too and we ALL make mistakes.
4. Admit when you are wrong
Own your mistakes. Like I mentioned earlier I struggle with admitting when I am wrong. Not just with my children but in general.
Admitting when you are wrong instills honesty and integrity in our children. The way you chose to parent shapes your children’s developed character. Showing your children how, to be honest, and accept responsibility when wrong will teach them how to learn from their own mistakes.
5. Be intentional
The early years are short. And our children literally grow faster than weeds. From the moment they take their first breath into this world and we take them home from the hospital they will never be that small again.
There’s one thing for sure, our arms are never too small to hold them no matter how big our children get.
It’s important to be intentional in our parenting. This requires us to know how we want to train our children. Establishing a foundation of discipline and expectation is important when it comes to training our children from infancy to adulthood. The early years are important as we train our children in the way they should go.
6. Give them time
Children need time. Love is time. It’s not money, gifts, or anything with material value. It’s really simple your children want you. They want your affection, attention, love, and time. There is no value that can be placed on time, it’s invaluable and very important.
Each child deserves their own time with you. Make them feel special and important because they truly are. Each child has their own special place in your heart, no matter how big your family is.
7. Praise them
Praising your children is a great way to motivate them. Give them positive attention. You should be praising them for making good decisions, their effort, hard work, compassion, and even focus.
Use your words to show them that their actions are not going unnoticed. This will encourage them to continue to make good choices.
8. Teach them responsibility
Responsibility is one of the greatest lessons I learned from parenting. As parents, you can teach your children responsibility by giving them an opportunity to help you with different tasks. Set limits and rules and hold them accountable based on your expectation.
Trust me… you will thank me later. Children not given the opportunity and accountability of responsibility may struggle later on with attitudes of entitlement and this is a hard problem to change.
9. Be patient
Being patient with your children strengthens a deep connection. This means no matter how many questions they ask you (some often repeated), be patient. Acknowledge their questions with your full attention.
Kids will be kids. They are still learning. Be conscious of how you respond to them. This includes your attitude and tone. Take deep breaths. Think about your response before you respond.
Be patient with them.
10. Talk to Jehovah about them
I talk to my children a lot about Jehovah and how much he loves them. But, as much as I talk to my children about Jehovah I learned that I need to talk to Jehovah just as much about them. Asking Jehovah to protect them, since he gave them to us first.
I have faith and know that Jehovah can do more with their hearts than I can do or change. He is the greatest teacher and I receive my strength to parent through him
Tell me
What life lessons have parenthood/motherhood taught you? I know I have faced many challenges when parenting. It doesn’t matter how many parenting books you read, you are never prepared for what it’s really like to raise children. We will never be perfect at our parenting, just as much as our children will never be perfect at being children.
They will be disobedient and they will make mistakes. But, it’s ok. When you are a parent, your love is unconditional. Keep loving your children and hold them extra close. They will appreciate the love you give them and will thank you for it.
I am grateful for these 10 life lessons I learned from parenting. Each lesson has taught me something new about myself and my children. Ultimately, strengthening our bond.
[…] RELATED: 10 Life Lessons I Learned From Parenting […]