Parents Talking

In a world filled with uncertain times and mixed messages and frantic schedules there is peace in parenting. No…you say? There are the diapers, or the potty training, the colds to attend to and the laundry to do. Then when they are older the school schedules begin,  shoes and  clothes to buy, and the events to rush to. Then when high school comes there are bigger financial fees for activities or groups they belong to and the schedules get  even more hectic.

Finally when they go off to college, or perhaps take a full time job…maybe they have moved out, it all stops. No more schedules, or rush hours to get to an award ceremony. No more school picture deadlines, or baked cupcakes to share. It seems like it’s over in a flash. I don’t care if you have one child or five (like me) it all comes to an end. So enjoy these years while you diaper your infant and snuggle them under your chin. Enjoy that first crawl, or taking those first steps. Enjoy setting out guidelines and boundaries to ensure your child’s safety. Take time to read one more bedtime story, and giggle more often. Take your dinner outside and sit on a sheet. Lay down on a sleeping bag and watch the stars together. Bake more cookies with your toddler helpers. Squeeze more play dough shapes (besides it really is therapy) with your child. Listen to more stories about the elementary days of your kid. Listen more to the high school student, and observe where they still need you.

Of course we will always be in our children’s life, that won’t ever stop. But these days will. Parents we have this one section of time with our kids, try to enjoy it more and not with “things” or $$$$, no, it’s just about taking your time, and relishing these years. It can be hectic but bring back some harmony and peace to your days. Have a “beach day” and stay until dark. Whatever you choose smile and know that these days are getting shorter, one by one.

I was just reading a few articles regarding the truancy problems. Although I recognize this to be a very important matter, there seems to be something missing here.  I know I am in that “older” group now, but why are so many parents blaming the school system for their truant children? Why are these parents not taking more responsibility for their own kids? Look, I think schools and parents should work as a team and be supportive of one another.However, I do not think it is solely the school’s job to keep your kid on track. There are many wonderful devoted teachers who are there for you student during their work hours and often afterwards too. Remember they too have their families and their own agenda. I think it’s a copout to blame the school.There was a time when kids respected their parents more and never would be truant for fear of that unknown consequence. I believe the buck stops at home but perhaps it just feels better to put that into the schools’s lap. The kids are learning from mom and dad how to point fingers so others are to blame for their actions. They will never learn accountability. Set down your rules and boundaries and stick to them. Don’t let your kid come home and just hang out and chill in their room. How is this a consequence to their bad behavior and wrong choices? Perhaps have them write a letter to the parents about what they did and how they think they should correct it, one of the great deals that worked in my house. Or  have them fix dinner, rake up leaves and do the laundry are some other ideas. Don’t avoid the conversations because it gets too tiring to deal with, you are the parents, lead by example. If we teach our kids that we expect the best from them, they will try harder and then they will understand soon enough, that this is how the real world works too.