Parenting Young Children

We learn our jobs as parents as we go along, unfortunately children are not born with manuals, each child is unique.  What works with one doesn’t always work with the next.  We as parents quickly realize that love isn’t all that is needed.  We need patience, endurance and creativity and sometimes these qualities are in short supply.Caring for small children is tiring!  Caring for older children is less physically draining but more worrisome because they spend more time outside the home.  Being a parent can put a strain on being a couple, with less time to connect and enjoy each other’s company.

Have a realistic attitude and remember that there are no perfect children and no perfect parents, everyone makes mistakes.  Expecting to have the perfect family can get in the way of enjoying the one you have been blessed with.  Accept your children for who they are and remember that children that are loved, encouraged and allowed to grow up at their own pace will develop good self-esteem and confidence.

Sometimes in parenting we can do all the “right” things and still get poor results, we need to step back and realize that we tried our best and it is alright.  To lower stress that can build in parenthood you should make time for yourself regularly to enjoy your own activities.  Don’t feel bad asking for help, talking about your worries is the best stress reducer.  Set aside time to spend with the children, time for you and your spouse and time for yourself alone.

Laugh together, be appreciative of each other and give compliments often.  Parents and children need to spend one on one time together, you could read a bedtime story, play a game or take a walk together.  Talk over family problems in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.  Focus on solutions instead of blame.  Say what you mean and mean what you say.  Enjoy your children, they don’t stay little for long.