Nine Simple Yet Difficult Rules for Parenting
An important consideration
Every child benefits by having two parents/guardians. Every measure and statistic support this statement. Often single parents, mostly mothers, are offended by this comment when they need not be. Most single parents are heroic in doing the job of two. Often, being a single parent is not a choice, yet children need the love and perspective of both a male and a female. Seek the help of a friend or relative to fill that void if it exists. (see #2)
My mother was married but raised six children alone. And while no family can follow these rules perfectly, it was impossible for my mother. She did her best without the help of my father. We all had to deal with the consequences of that situation; and there were many.
Michael Byron Smith
Author of “The Power of Dadhood” and the “Helping Fathers to be Dad’s” Blog (MichaelByronSmith.com)
- Be your child’s biggest advocate.
- Find balance in your parenting.
- Be involved with your children’s lives, but not too involved. (see #2)
- Be a fun parent when appropriate. Be stern, when necessary. (see #2)
- Be loving and show it—but have strict boundaries for behavior. (see #2)
- Be consistent with rules and consequences, but don’t be totally inflexible. (see #2)
- Never argue with your spouse in front of your children, nor use them as tools.
- Treat all your children fairly, but you can’t treat them all the same. They’re individuals.
- Remember that your child trusts what they see in you more than what you say.
An important consideration
Every child benefits by having two parents/guardians. Every measure and statistic support this statement. Often single parents, mostly mothers, are offended by this comment when they need not be. Most single parents are heroic in doing the job of two. Often, being a single parent is not a choice, yet children need the love and perspective of both a male and a female. Seek the help of a friend or relative to fill that void if it exists. (see #2)
My mother was married but raised six children alone. And while no family can follow these rules perfectly, it was impossible for my mother. She did her best without the help of my father. We all had to deal with the consequences of that situation; and there were many.
Michael Byron Smith
Author of “The Power of Dadhood” and the “Helping Fathers to be Dad’s” Blog (MichaelByronSmith.com)
