I recently realized that I pretty much have no clue what I’m doing as a parent. I’m not sure how I’ve missed this over the past three years, but it’s true. I have a little person watching my every move and that’s counting on me to teach her how to deal with this big world we’re living in.
I thought I had this whole parenting thing all figured out…before I actually became a parent, that is.
I was always so quick to blab on and on about all my parenting ideas before Arle came along. “My kids would never act this way or that way. When I’m a mom, I’ll always do this. When my kids do this, I’ll always do that.” Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
So much easier said than done.
Arle, for the most part, is an easy child. But I want ideas on how to teach her to deal with conflict in healthy ways. I want some tips on how to effectively discipline. I want to know that I’m doing all I can to raise her in a way that will help her be a better person.
I hopped on goodreads.com and headed straight for my friend Melissa’s bookshelf. Her four kids are incredibly well-behaved and kind and I wanted to see where she was getting her ideas from.
I then clicked over to Amazon, ordered up some parenting wisdom, and received a box full of goodies this week. I can’t wait to dive in and learn something new. Here’s what’s on tap:
Any other suggestions that I should add to my list?
Rhonda said,
June 25, 2010 @ 2:58 pm
Heather you are a wonderful mom and I’m sure you know far more than you give yourself credit for!! The reading is great but don’t take it too literally!! Have you read anything by Dr. John Rosemond? He has some very old-fashioned ideas but reports lots of success when used by parents. Your example is what she is going to see most!! We really do not realize all those little eyes and ears take in!! Love you!!
momdiggity said,
June 25, 2010 @ 3:08 pm
You’re sweet, Rhonda:) I should clarify that I don’t think I’m a bad parent…just feeling a bit clueless and realizing that a little bit of wisdom from others could do me some good. Parenting is the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I’ve never “studied” up on how to do it well. :)
Traci said,
June 25, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
Let me know if you find any good tips!
Suz said,
June 25, 2010 @ 7:32 pm
Oh, man! If I had a dollar for every “I will never” or “My child will never” I have broken I’d be very wealthy!! I’ve wanted to read the “Grace Based Parenting” for a long time and my friend very recently recommended “Don’t Make Me Count to Three.” Now I’m inspired to read them right now! One of my all-time favorite parenting (although it applies to all relationships) books is “The Blessing” by Gary Smalley and John Trent. It changed the way I think about and speak about and to my loved ones. I have read through it twice and highly recommend it. Also on my “to read” list is “Bringing Up Girls” and “Bringing Up Boys” I’ve heard they are must-reads.
kristin Fulghum said,
June 26, 2010 @ 7:05 am
i’ll be borrowing those from you when you’re done. the first two are ones i’ve been wanting to read. i’m anxious to hear what you think.
jami nato said,
June 27, 2010 @ 11:06 am
i read grace based parenting. it’s not like practical everyday tips…but it’s excellent at getting to the heart of parents and giving you an overall vision of what parenting should look lilke. lindsay sevs has raved about ‘don’t make me count to 3′. and i definately need that book over here!
Kim said,
July 2, 2010 @ 11:26 pm
Dr. Rosemond….my hero….
Mr. No-nonsense, “let” ‘em suffer the consequences of their action/decisions,
let ‘em figure it out the hard way, if they insist….
Not the philosophy of today’s parenting which concentrates on “being your child’s friend” and jumping thru whatever hoops necessary to make the little darlings “happy”.
Dr. R’s idea is that an effective parent is one who leads and expects their children to follow. Most of what we see today is the other way around, no?
Just remember that you and Travis have the Holy Spirit to lead YOU, and He’ll show you the best ways to lead Arle. God wouldn’t've given you Arle and then
not equip you to lead her into all He created her to be. Fret not!
XOXO