Being a Parent

[Janet]

This was written by the Boys & Girls Club director (Bill Wheeler) in our town before he passed away.

The most important job a lot of us will ever have in our lifetime is that of being a parent. And in most cases, it is a job we are trained for. In some cases, we get caught up in the "June and Ward Cleaver" stereotypes. Hey, folks, families have disagreements, and get angry with each other. It's OK. Don't feel you are a failure-----it's normal.

One important thing we must all remember is we can say all the right words, give all the approved speeches to our charges, but all those words mean absolutely nothing if your actions don't mirror those words.

You can't say. "Don't lie to me" to your child then call your boss to tell him you are sick so you can go to a ballgame. You can't tell your child not to cheat on a test if you lie to the restaurant cashier about your child's age to save a buck.

You can't tell your child how important it is to be a good sport if you cuss out the game officials.

It's hard for a child to know what to do when you tell him or her to obery the law as you make a U-turn or drive 65 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Most times, you child's actions only mirror yours.

The most important thing to remember is "if you want your child to follow in your footsteps, watch where you put your feet".

Being a good example to your children means having rules, being firm and setting guidelines. It means being sure that violations for those rules and guidlines are punished justly and swiftly. It means your child knows he or she will indeed suffer consequences for violations.

These are the best ways to show your parental guidance. Most parents today worry if they will make their child mad, and are more eager to be their child's friend than a parent.

Be open and honest with your children. Be open to their feelings and suggestions. But most of all.....be their parent.

[Kimberley]

Great article!

[Amber_lv]

Very nice!

[magnolia]

Excellent read! Thanks for sharing it.