Parenting

Saturday, December 5, 2009

10 reasons you're a better parent than you think you are

We live in an advice-rich age and parenting experts are as ubiquitous as pictures of Angelina and her brood. While information is power, too much information can be debilitating.

When it comes to parenting, sometimes it's nice to remember that many of us, most of us even, know what is right for our kids, without cracking even one book.

Here are 10 reasons you are a better parent than you think you are:


1. You are the best mommy or daddy in the world for your child
- Regardless of what the experts or anyone else says, in your child's eyes you are their one and only. If you can live up to that kind of love and acceptance, you'll be happier for it.

2. You trust your gut - Most of us try not to get too worried or upset by the proliferation of news stories about lead-poisoned toys or tragic stories of kidnapped children, but it's not very easy. When push comes to shove, your gut can be your guide. If you feel more than a tingle of doubt, you'll do the right thing by your child. You're wired that way.

3. You give the best love you know how to give - Love isn't perfect or always kind, but you want to be a good parent and you try every day to be the best parent you know how to be.

4. You feed them every day- Not always meals with enough vegetables or fruit, but you feed them, and you worry about their health.  And that makes you a good parent.

5. You smile at them, beam even, and they make you proud - When you smile at your child (and you know you do, often) you are transmitting your love and tenderness. Kids are sponges and they feel every iota of that sweetness.

6. You teach them about wonderful things -- You fill their heads with the wishes of childhood -- Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and other wonderful creatures. Even if they don't believe you, their eyes light up with the spark of imagination.

7. You love them unconditionally, even when you don't like them very much - Most kids know that you love them no matter what. Even when they have tantrums in the grocery store and hit their sister or brother and refuse to eat their dinner. Even then you love them deeply.

8. You comfort them when they're scared - Monsters, bad dreams, and things that go bump in the night hold no power over the comfort of your arms and your murmured reassurance.

9. You want your child to be happy - Almost more than anything else, you want to see evidence that your child is happy, well-adjusted, and secure. You want this for them more than you want it for yourself.

10. You are their one true love - For so many years, you are your child's sun, moon, and stars. You are the keeper of their small open hearts, their only one. This essential truth, when fully appreciated, makes parenting the most fulfilling thing you'll ever do.

Pat yourself on the back, mama and papa. You're doing a great job!!

More posts by this author:

10 Relaxing Activities for You (and Your Kids)

10 Things Kids Don't Mind (that Adults Try to Avoid)
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 11-20 of 38
  • Simone G's Avatar
    Posted by Simone G Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:28pm PDT

    wow!!! that was refreshing

    Report Abuse
  • Shilpa's Avatar
    Posted by Shilpa Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:33pm PDT

    Loved this article. We are always doubting whether we are doing enough for our child. I know for a fact that our child loves us unconditionally and knows we are there for her at all times. She is so innocent and unconditional in her love, even when she is mad, her love shines through her eyes. Being a parent is the best thing in the world, wouldn't trade it for any thing else.

    Thank God for the little ones, they make our world swing round and round.

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  • Cursed Romantic's Avatar
    Posted by Cursed Romantic Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:16pm PDT

    They forgot to add on there that you are a better parent for just being aware of who your child is and knowing who they are as a person. I don't have any kids right now, but I still have to admit my mom knew me better than I knew myself when I was younger. And she didn't even have to crack open a "expert" book. I think that is the best form of parenting ever, because I think those experts just talk from a lofty hill and don't know many children personally and if they do see kids I think they basis there studies off what they see on playgrounds and not oh enough different children.

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  • Ashley's Avatar
    Posted by Ashley Thu Aug 21, 2008 8:42am PDT

    Tear......

    Report Abuse
  • mom of 3's Avatar
    Posted by mom of 3 Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:09pm PDT

    Boy, I need this today. My teenage son told me last night that he hated me. But when he went to bed he said he loved me.

    Report Abuse
  • amy's Avatar
    Posted by amy Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:19am PDT

    This was wonderful... as a single parent, you miss that reassurance that you might be doing a good job. This was right on! Even made me smile. Thanks!

    Report Abuse
  • Wen's Avatar
    Posted by Wen Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:49am PDT

    That is awesome! Its great to know, all parents should read this blog. It lifted my spirits, thank you, what a nice way to strat the morning

    Report Abuse
  • sam i am's Avatar
    Posted by sam i am Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:20am PDT

    this is exactly why i cant wait to be a mom! dang it! :(

    Report Abuse
  • Sarah J's Avatar
    Posted by Sarah J Fri Aug 22, 2008 1:42pm PDT

    Sometimes you need to see this listed all together like this. I am very grateful that my daughter (who is 9 3/4, she likes to remind everyone of the 3/4s) frequently verbally reinforces a large # of these for me.

    Report Abuse
  • TinySparklez's Avatar
    Posted by TinySparklez Fri Aug 22, 2008 6:12pm PDT

    Thank you so much for writing this. Feels good to know, better to remember.

    Report Abuse
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