The Rules of Parenting

In parenting, many try to offer advice or high minded theories. Some state the obvious and repeat known information. What will I do? I’ll take a slightly different spin on it.

First and most importantly, anyone who is, will be, or wants to be a parent should realize a few critical points. Parenting is the most important duty you will ever have on the face of this planet far beyond any job or career. Also, parenting is the one job most are the least qualified to do. You have no experience, no training, and learning on the job is not an option. The life and future of another person rests on your decisions; there is no time to grow into it.

In any career, job or any significant decision you will make, you have to get the training necessary to perform the duties of the position. Parenting, as many note, does not fit that bill. Or does it? Barring conception caused by rape, becoming a parent IS a decision. It is a decision by the male and the female to drop their pants and risk procreation. Given the life-long potential implications of that choice, it seems to be utter folly to take the risk carelessly. But alas, many do not heed warning and continue to barrel into bad choices generation after generation.

Before a person becomes a parent by choice, you need to do your studying. You will be raising a person from conception until you pass on. Their success or failure in life reflects heavily on the choices you make before and after becoming a parent. What choices are these? These extend into a series of questions. What kind of morals do you want your child to have? What kind of impact on this world do you want them to make? What type of association will you permit? What kind of media will you let influence their minds? And so many more details to think of but you get the drift.

With all of that going around in your mind, perhaps I can make this a tad easier. First, I strongly suggest finding a family that resembles one that you wish to emulate. The guiding rule is simple. Will all the members of that family be able to say “I have no regrets with my family.” Then the next challenge comes in realizing the full depth in the only 2 rules you will ever need in your household.

1) A smile always and laughter every day no matter what. Why? This sets the tone for your home.

2) Anything I do my kids can do. Why? This is the most ironclad rule of them all. Quite simply, they will do what you do and say what you say whether you like it or not. So it all starts and ends with you.

Rule #2 is the focal point of being a parent. It is said the personality of the child is set between the ages of 4-6. That comes from the example you set as a parent or surrender to daycare. Being a good, solid parent requires training. That training starts at least 3 years prior to being a parent. It starts and ends with looking in the mirror and making the changes you need to do to become the person you want your children to be.