Becoming a parent is an exciting and, at times, scary new chapter in life. Not only are we required to make sure our children are given the basics in life; food, clothing, an education and a safe place to live but it is also necessary to help our children learn to manage the various challenges in life. Throughout a child’s development, he/she will have different needs than we had as children. If there is more than one child in a family, it is not uncommon that all children may need different types of parenting depending upon each child’s unique identity. It is our job to help our children manage the difficult sometimes confusing expectations in life.
Parenting does not always come easily. There are no instructions, nor are we required to have any training before we decide to have a child. Many of us find that parenting brings up thoughts and feelings that may surprise us, in addition to new feelings about our partners. It is a complicated endeavor that everyone could use help with. It is the most important and challenging job we do in life.
Parent education, learning about yourself and your child, is a worthwhile endeavor that will allow the parenting experience to be more enjoyable, fulfilling and will result in happier, healthier, smarter children.
