Parenting 101- Yeah, I’m a Dad

June 11, 2009 in Blog with 2 Comments

A couple of weeks ago Carrie and I celebrated the 1 year birthday of our beautiful daughter, Chloe. One year after becoming a parent I realize- I know nothing about being a parent. I do know a few things though:

  • You’re never ready, don’t even play like you think you are- you’re not.
  • Parenting is an art, not a science.
  • Kids are resilient. They roll with the punches more than adults.
  • If it’s your kid. They are always beautiful. Snotty noses and all.
  • She is innocent. But, she won’t be innocent forever. This makes me cry.
  • Almost daily. Seriously, I’m a weepy mess (we’ll keep that between all 300+ readers and me, k?)
  • She counts on me. She’s looking to me for approval.
  • She will mold her idea of her future husband by my actions and words.
  • That scares me to death.
  • Our daughter is a gift from God.
  • I’m the worst and best dad all wrapped into one.
  • And my daughter will love me despite it.

What have you learned from being a parent?
If you lead kids/students, what have you learned from it?

  • Jada6804

    I don't think I have enough time left on earth to tell you everything that I've learned from being a parent..but I'll share a few of my favorites…

    *our children belong to God,He has given them to us on loan with specific guidelines to follow.
    Yes, we have authority over our children but we should always usu that authority with loving fairness.
    They are Gods children, so make sure they know that.

    *children are much more forgiving than you would think. (don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake, simply apologize to them, they'll love you for it.(followed w/ prayer and a big hug)

    *Pray with them daily. They will eventually become your #1 accountability partner.

    *I've learned that a quite child is up to something.

    *Just because you have a 6 foot privacy fence,doesn't mean they can't escape the yard. (this really happened).

    *consistent discipline with love and suffering consequences teaches a child to obey God, not just the parents.Don't try to change the way God designed your child. Guide your children, do not try to control them.

    *Never under estimate the ability of a 4 year old boy. And never under mind your daughter when she's trying to open up to you, even if you can't follow along with her story. At least she knows who will listen to her.

    *When you wake up to the smell of toothpaste and you spend the rest of the day wiping it off of everything a small child could reach…"he's just showing you how creative he can be". This could also happen with Shampoo, lotion, powered sugar, makeup, markers, finder nail polish, and eggs.

    *praise your children and give them compliments everyday. Even you don't like they're new style.

    *Actions speak louder than words.
    Don't talk your child to death, they usually loose focus 1 minute after u start talking anyways…. Set the rules, and remind them of the consequences. Time outs, corners, special toys taken away, missing out on fun outings, ect…
    If they disobey, there WILL be a consequence. (it works)Not saying kids won't push you to your limits, but if you're at your limit, then the consequence should have been given hours ago. Consistency, every time they disobey.

    *If you want to know the God's honest truth…. "ask your kid".

  • Anonymous

    -every single ounce of energy is drained from my body and I want to do it all over again tomorrow…

    -they just want unconditional love and approval.

    -my favorite way to parent is through giggly secrets and pinky swears.

    -my girls can love me bigger than Santa Claus (not God because God has the BIGGEST amount of love – always thought that was cute).

    -they think I have the best singing voice – ever – making me a superstar during bedtime lullabies

    -they are sponges, soaking up the world around them.

    -I need them as much as they need me.

    -Chandra