Parenthood: Plan Parenthood

Being a parent is a great responsibility and many times we can get discouraged. So many times we feel disheartened because our children will not respond to us, or listen to our advice. We should teach respect for religion, patriotism, and for the law. Example is the best teacher. If we expect our children to be honest, then we must be honest. It is in the home that children learn integrity, respect, love, honesty, decency, uprightness, and chastity. If we start in our own homes to make the world a better place, then it will spread to the community and schools, each generation becoming better than the last.

We must teach our children how to work, take responsibility, and learn independence. Our children will value material things much more if they earn them. There is an irony in the fact that parents want their children to be self-sufficient and independent, but at the same time they give too much.

Effective communication is always a very important part of any healthy relationship, but never is it more important than when you've become a family for the first time. You need to be checking in with each other, to see how each of you feeling. Make it a point each day to find the time to talk, to hug or cuddle. This allows you to support each other in your new roles as parents.

You need to be consistent in your discipline applications and behavior expectations. Be very clear and direct in your communication with your child. Your commands should be simple, specific and to the point. If your child didn't understand, it's your job to clarify it.

You must realize that your children will be watching you. They will learn many of their habits, beliefs and ideas from you and your actions. Take some time and examine your habits. It is your responsibility to prepare your child for life. Don't leave your child's success to chance. You must prepare, plan and take action to be a successful parent.

Try to make each conversation have statements that are positive and not blaming. Ask for help when you need it and let your partner know specifically what you do need. You'll probably find that you need to become extremely creative with your time. You may have to improvise and spend time together when he or she is napping.

Parenting is one of the most demanding stages in life -in terms of time, money and energy. All you have to do as parents is plan, think and discuss what actions you will take before the situations occur. Even a single parent can plan their actions ahead of time.