Nuggets from 2017

                                             

It has been an interesting year discussing the various topics around parenting. On a personal level I learnt alot. Being a parent you learn ON THE GO, literally, and each child is different. Preparing for our Monday talks got me to look at the people around me alot more, and look at how they raise their children. I also analysed my own children more, and how my parenting has defined who they are. It was also nice sharing experiences with Patience, who is the parent of an older child to my own. 

As we come to a close, I just though to share a few key points that we discussed in the various topics that we discussed this year:

1. Put your child first! 

- Do not be selfish, do not use your child to get your way, do not ignore your child's need/ neglect them

2.  Be Alert!
In this world of technology, be alert at all times as to what your child is doing,watching/exposed to 

3. Know who your child interacts with

- Some children are allowed to watch anything/ get anything they want...It may not be to your child's best interests

4. Accept the uniqueness of your children

- Do not compare your child to anyone else. Your child is special and must be loved in their own special way.

5. Do not have favorites!

- Noone wants to be the child that was not favored, and noone wants to be around the bratty child that gets their way

6. Be cautious of your parenting style

- Research well to understand the pros and cons of the way you choose to parent. The repercussions may only be seen when they are older

7. Your child must know there are boundaries

- Every child wants to know they are loved. If you allow a child to do whatever, whenever, they could rebel and act out to get your attention, hoping you will tell them no. 

8. Do not overcompensate by spoiling

- Children need love and time, not material things

9. Tell your child you love them as many times in a day as you can

- This boosts their self-esteem and makes them more confident in all they try achieve

10. Do not ignore learning disabilities

- You need to know how to deal with them and how to help your child. Do not be that parent in denial

11.  When there is a crisis in the home, your child feels it

- Children that bully, that fight, that act out at school, that shy away, that do not eat or eat alot, are crying out for attention. If you are fighting with your spouse, your spouse doesnt come home, or you are divorcing, do not assume that your child does not see and understand. The acting out may not be just a 'difficult child'

12. SHOW AFFECTION TO YOUR CHILD AND ENCOURAGE THEM ALWAYS

- It makes such a big difference to their character

The love of a parent is the first love that a child knows...always remember that and always cherish that 

I hope you will have a wonderful end to 2017 and a beautiful start to 2018

Till NEXT YEAR, I pray you stay well, stay blessed and fill your homes with love and happiness every day, every hour

Stay Blessed

Tafi

#beingaparent