Parenting is both challenging and rewarding. According to KidsHealth, although raising children is one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world, most people are unprepared for it.
Joe DeProspero, a writer for Parenting, shared that even after having three kids, he still makes mistakes. First-time parents have this tendency to call those who became parents earlier than them to be “experts.” However, he explained that although actively raising kids does give experience, expertise is another thing.
“Actively raising three children has provided, at the very least, experience. And I'll certainly agree to that,” he wrote. “But expert? Please, you flatter me. You see, I still make mistakes—plenty of them, in fact. And, if I'm being honest, most of them are mistakes I've made with every...single...child.”
So for parents out there, here are some things you should always remember.
Nothing good comes out of arguing with a toddler
DeProspero said that although it won't be helpful to appease a bratty child who throws him/herself to the floor and cries for not getting what he/she wants, it won't help arguing with the kid either. Tantrums occasionally happen, and be careful not to aggravate it at your own risk.
Sugar before bedtime means problems
Sugar transforms sleepy Bruce Banners into wild Hulks. DeProspero said remember that “sugar = energy = problems putting child to bed = even bigger problems getting him up for school in the morning,” so be careful not to let your kids (little or big) get those cookies or ice cream you hid in the fridge.
Let them have naps
“If I could offer just one piece of advice for new parents, it would be to never wake your kid up from a nap,” he said. “And furthermore, don't expect your kid to be functional at a time when he/she is normally asleep.”
Don't get a diagnosis from the Internet
As parents, caring for the child should be a priority, but Daily Mail advised to beware of Dr. Google. Research has shown that searching for a possible diagnosis in the internet could lead to a misdiagnosis, and inappropriate (not to mention unsafe) medical treatment.
Don't forget yourself
Having kids is great, and loving them is really good, but DeProspero said forgetting your personal needs while prioritizing your kids is unhealthy and dangerous. Think about it.
KidsHealth advised the same thing: “Focusing on your needs does not make you selfish. It simply means you care about your own well-being, which is another important value to model for your children.”
Happy parenting!
