Enjoy the parenting journey

Being a parent is not easy. It might  be the biggest responsibility of our lives. There’s no guide to raising children and whether it is your first or fifth, no child is the same, the experiences before may not apply. Many times nothing can prepare us for the surprises our children bring us or how our lives change as we raise them. 

I am not going to be able to give you the secret to being the best parent you can be, I could never even pretend to have all the answers. I just wanted to share some things I have learned while seeing my children grow. Now at 21 and 23 I get to enjoy a new season with them and I continue to learn from them and with them about what parenting is all about. Here are some random thoughts about parenting. You probably already know them, but this may be exactly what you need to hear today- that and the fact that no parent gets it all right, so keep doing the best you can. 

-Children are different, respect their uniqueness and never compare them, especially to a sibling. 

-Listen carefully to your child, notice especially what he or she is saying without words. 

-Have high standards for your child, why wouldn't you? 

-Your child is not you, his or her dreams are different from yours. 

-As parents we love, we guide, we teach, and then we let go. That's the hardest part. 

-Create safe spaces.  

-Guide and correct but don't judge. 

-Be careful with the words you use. 

-Give your child the freedom to make mistakes. 

-Teach your child that the things that really matter require time and work. 

-Teaching by example is powerful. 

-Saying NO once in a while is not only good, but necessary.

-Know who your child hangs around. 

-Be intentional, strong relationships take time and they are built one small action at the time. 

-Have boundaries, define consequences and follow through. Be consistent. 

-Be patient. It will take time. 

-It is never too late, parenting is a lifetime gift and responsibility.   

Love every minute of being a parent, the good, the bad and the ugly. The great times make wonderful memories, the tough times make great lessons, some of them are painful but necessary and the sooner we go through them, the better it is for everyone. 

There are many things we hope and want for the amazing human beings we have been entrusted with, but our main goal should be to help them become everything they can, for them to be able to add value to society, to leave a legacy, to use their talents and gifts to make the world a better place, and to be happy. Know that no parent gets it completely right. Take it one day at a time, do your best, love big and enjoy the parenting journey. 

 Manuelita