Look Out, I'm Parenting Here : A Survival Guide for the Single Parent

by Moss, Ted D., III

• ISBN13: 9781462016648
• ISBN10: 1462016642
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-07-18
• Publisher: Author Solutions

Excerpts

1. Let Love Be Your GuideLet the love you hold in your heart for your children always be your guide. Whether it is applying the strategies of this book or the well-meaning counsel of friends and family, know that no words of advice are perfect. History has time and time again proven that regardless of good intentions, any standards set for the caring of children will someday be found to be ?awed. You, as your toddler's ultimate guardian, should always try to error on the side of love.Your primary responsibility to your children is to nurture and love them. When things are not going right and you feel tested, seek the compassion and understanding within your heart; which will help you to be the loving parent that your babies deserve.My oldest daughter, (now happily married,) was in town a while back, and told me she was thinking about having children. We had a little conversation about being a parent and how it feels to have a child. When asked about the bond of love, I told her this: "There are many kinds of love you will experience, throughout your life. They will range from your first crush to deep devotion, but none will be like the love that you will have for your children. It is really a unique feeling. I wish I could tell you, that you were so compelling as a newborn that I couldn't help but love you so deeply. But that would probably not be correct.The simple truth is every child is different. Their relationship with their mother and father, and their parent's expression of love for that child varies to accommodate that individual. The common factor is that parents are by nature deeply bonded to their children. This serves for the child's protection and survival. This bond is recognized in the parents as a deep feeling of love and caring for their children.So if you want to know about a parent's love, and how I really feel about you, the truth is that it's something as unique as you are and I really do not have the words to describe it. However, if you have children someday, you will know then.There will come a day when you hear a little voice calling for you from a bedroom. When you enter, your toddler's outstretched arms over the crib rails will be waiting for you. As your baby sees you, a big smile will come over their face. Their feet will begin to stomp with anticipation. Then as you lift this little person into the warmth and comfort of your arms, stop for a moment, close your eyes, and think about me. Then will you truly know the way I feel, and how much I love you."I think there is nothing more important than this. As we go through this experience of parenting and we address the many issues with our toddlers, I think we should always temper our actions with the feelings of love that we havefor them.