You need a license to drive, operate heavy machinery and hunt for deer and yet you can become a parent without having to ask anyone’s permission or learn what to do. Parenting is without doubt, one of the toughest jobs in the world. It can challenge even the most efficient secretary, the most organized company director and the most conscientious doctor or nurse.
Our job as parents
As parents, we plunge head first into a world that seems to be dictated by our helpless, defenseless offspring and isn’t it just a fortunate thing that they’re born so cute and irresistible?
We determine to do anything it takes to make them happy and keep them healthy, and then out of nowhere springs a personality! Where you once thought diaper rash and introducing solid foods were difficult to deal with, you now look back and think what a piece of cake they were!
Parenting classes exist all over the country to help you with those questions and problems you never thought you’d need help with. Sibling rivalry, bad habits, personality quirks, poor behavior and many more issues can be addressed at these classes where it’s basically like an AA Group for frustrated Moms and Dads. “Hello, I’m Beth and I have an unruly child.”
“One day at a time,” the group responds in unison.
You need to talk it out
Just by having others to talk to who understand what you’re going through, you can come up with simple solutions to seemingly complex problems. The weightier the issue, the more heavy duty help you’ll need. There are community groups listed in the telephone book for parents who want to share their stories and a number of religious organizations run parenting classes as well.
If a religion-based service is not your style, then browse through the Yellow Pages and you’re sure to find something in your area. Parenting assistance is also available through some hospitals, ask your GP. If your child is challenging you in ways of a legal nature, contact your police station or social worker for advice and contacts.
Fix problems as they occur
Parenting needn’t be an ongoing struggle. Don’t allow problems to continue unchecked. Most times, they won’t simply go away, and eventually they will escalate to where you have to call in the pro’s. As parents, we don’t know it all, and we can also benefit from an objective point of view. Don’t struggle, put the word out there that you could use a helping hand or a calming voice.