Good parenting is tough. Good parenting is relentless. Good parenting is crucial. And good parenting doesn't come natural for everyone. It is especially difficult when you haven't prepared. What do I mean by, prepare? Think through possible scenarios, get your game plan, know how you'll react when situations arise and always remember to show love through it all.
My very best friend, Jennifer was raised by two amazing parents. Cheryl and Gary were not just fulfilling their parental duties by feeding, clothing and providing shelter for them. They sacrificed their personal comfort for what was good for their children, they had game plans, they went against the grain of society and they worked together. They knew their children's desires, passions, talents and character. Most of all, they showed their kids love. Love from hugs, kisses, encouragement, and physical presence but also through boundaries and expectations. Cheryl wrote a book entitled, Before They Graduate and in it she tells stories, gives advice and helps motivate parents to be the best they can be for their kids, because we only get one chance to raise them right. When I read this book it was fun to remember the stories, but most of all it was refreshing to have great parenting techniques confirmed. I don't quite remember how I felt about their parenting techniques while I was the best friend coming over for visits with Jennifer as a teenager, but what I do know is that all 4 siblings are wonderful, responsible and loving adults.
Okay, so I'm referring to a loving married couple raising children but what about the single parent who doesn't have that loving spouse by their side? What about us? How are we as single parents supposed to work full time or more, keep a household and have enough energy and motivation to instill good parenting to our children? The answer is not simple. The answer is very complex in definition, but also obvious. We have to. Our children deserve good parents so that they can be great adults. There is no one else who can or will step up to the plate. We may feel overwhelmed at times (get help). We may feel unqualified (research, learn and get help). We may be exhausted (get help). We have a job to do and we have to do it well. Our children are depending on us. If you noticed a theme, it is important to get help. Truth is that we are not super heroes and there is a reason that children were meant to be raised in a two-parent household. It is a lot of work but it can be done and done well. Be honest with yourself when you feel like you are drowning. There are people around who want to help but need to know how.
The main take-away is this: Anyone can be a mom or a dad. It takes determination, effort and willingness for sacrifice to be a good parent. Our children need good parents. Know your children, understand their weaknesses and strengths. Take the time to plan how you will parent each of them and what you will need within yourself to do this. You have a lot on your plate, that's a certainty but with God, you can do this.
