Parenting

The objective of parenting to protect and prepare a child to survive and thrive. In my class we were asked why it is that young people are doing the parenting, rather than the typical experienced white haired grandmother. She knows what to do and how to handle children. She has experience and is less likely to mess up, right? How could a couple at 24 and 25 years old possibly know how to raise and parent children? Here are some things that we discussed. First, as young biological parents they have a natural intuition for the needs of their children, as well as a deep love of them being their own. We all know that children have quite a lot of energy, and they need parents that can play alongside them hour after hour, day after day. There are certain physical abilities that young parents have that benefit the relationship between the parent and the child. Next, the world is ever changing. If we leave parenting to the elderly, how will they understand the difficulties and struggles that young ones are faced with. Biological parents will be able to relate better with the children, and have similar experiences. Ultimately, parenting is a learning and growing process. It helps adults develop themselves more and shape their lives as they learn to care and love their children.

There are needs that each child needs.  Contact and belonging, power, protection, withdrawal, and challenge. They need to feel each of these things in their lives, and relationship with with their parents. They will more than likely act in a completely different way, but we need to be conscious that these basic needs, must be met. It seems to me that the initial response for misbehavior is anger consisting in yelling and punishing. However, if we can seek for understanding in a calm and collected manner, the parent and child will be able to learn and grow together.

I am not yet a parent, but I imagine that it is not the easiest task nor responsibility in this life. But it is worth it! Think of the blessing that your parents are to you. The great influences that they have had on you. I know that we are placed in the families and homes that we are a part of, for a reason. I know that we can learn from our parents' examples, and continue what is good, and make changes to things that can be improves upon in parenting skills. Family is such a blessing!!