Parenting..

[Lionblade]

Sleep does not find me at this time of eve. I might as well give my thoughts. First off, I am not a parent. I do not plan to be one for some time, however I know that when that time comes, the type of parent I will be. What I am about to tell you, are the things that I have learned by watching, listening, and thinking for myself. I have seen firsthand from my family what a parent should and should not do. I have experienced them myself. I know that many of you are years away from having children, that this borders on inappropriate. But remember.. as am I. But I still know these things, I still take them to heart, remember them, for when that time comes it is crucial that I have my mind straight. Following are values and guidelines that one should raise their children by.

Leadership (Parenting) by Example:
This is unarguably the most important aspect to know and practice when raising a child. It simply means to behave and act as you would like your children to behave and act. Let me explain more throughly because this is important:

Behave - We want our children to behave in a proper manner. We want our young boys
to become disciplined and honorable men. We want our young girls to become self-respecting
and caring women. This can be achieved by showing them what a true honorable and caring
woman are. As a parent, you must show them what to become.

Show your boy that their life is limitless. They may do whatever they want in life, as long
as they try. Show them that as a man you do not give up, not to fear, not to weakness. That if
something presents a challenge, you overcome it. You persevere through hard times. Show them
to treat a woman as a princess. Courteous in all forms. Show him that family and friends are
everything, A man is measured and valued as such. That no man is a failure so long as he has
loved ones. Instill in him the basic principles that life is precious and should be valued. It should
be protected. Teach him that life will be hard, but life can not conquer a strong mind and soul.
That relationships should be treasured.. however to never let a woman control him in such a way
as to welcome death if she were to reject him. For it is weak and is no means to an end.

Show your daughter that her her life is limitless. They may do whatever they want in life,
as long as they try. Show them to have respect for themselves, their body is an artwork that
should never be sold unless truly loved. To respect others, men are not to be feared nor
resented, pitied nor deceived. Men are there to cherish them, not to rule them. And in turn they,
as women should not toy with the hearts of men, nor give their own so easily. Show them that
life will have it shares of troubles, but if they hold true to their ideals, then they will be alrite.
Show them that there is nothing greater in life then life itself. That their children is their purpose.

That children live what they learn..

Act - As you have noticed, I have used the word show very graciously. This reason: For a
child to Behave as you would like, you must Act that way. Children, like Society, do
what they are shown, live what they learn. When I say to show your child to be kind, feed the home-
less. When I say to show your child to persevere, never give up and admit defeat. When I say to
show your son how to treat a woman, never strike or yell at his mother, nor cheat on her. When I
say to show your daughter how to properly respect and deal with men, give her an honorable
father, moreover show her that you are not controlled by her father but are partners and that
you do not use him for personal gain or satisfaction. When I say to show your child to value
friend and family, always help them. When I say to teach them to cherish life.. cherish them.

Live for your children. Live the life you would want your children to live. If you do not want them
to swear, you yourself must not. If you do not want them to do drugs or alcohol, you ourself must
not.

Discipline:
Ignorant or even improper parents often wonder why their children are hooligans. Why they yell back at them, sneak out, do drugs, or lie. Its simple: There is no discipline. Pause for a moment dear reader. Think about your (hopefully) good character.You are there because your parents properly expected and demanded such of you. When you did not perform to their standards you were properly disciplined because of such.

Now do not misunderstand me. To discipline someone does not mean to physically punish them. I personally was spanked as a child and I agree with the method so long as the aim is to punish and correct, not to vent frustration or anger on the child. There are other methods of discipline: Timeout. Telling the child that they disappointed you (This is a good method because it shows sadness over anger causing the child to feel guilty for doing wrong. But again, act properly. Do not tell them they are a failure or never do anything right.). Taking away privileges, amongst other options.

Key To Parenting:
Its simple: If you tell your child you will do something, do it.

In terms of discipline: If your child acts up and you tell them you will spank them or put
them in timeout and they persist, you must follow through. It is crucial. You can not waver. Not
from their early childhood to when their grown adults. The reason? Children are brilliant, they
learn that if they can get away with something despite what you say, they will continue to do so.
They know that you will not follow through and they will have nothing to fear. And in that regard..
you must "put the fear of God into them" so to speak. Follow through, show them there are
consequences for not listening. However be just, act properly. Make sure to explain to them
why you punish them. Why it happened, and what they need to do for them not to be punished
again. Do not hold a grudge, do not be bitter with your children. Be an adult, a parent.

In terms of raising a child: Never go back on your word. Ever. Accomplishing this not only
shows the child how one's word is their bond, it also shows they can depend on you, that you are
their unwavering pillar of support. If you tell a child you will make them a club house, break a
thumb if necessary, but build it. If you tell a child you will be at their choir debut, be there two
hours early, be there 15 minutes late, but be there.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts:
To be a good parent, one must be fair yet stern. Loving yet demanding. Understanding. Your child must know that you will always be there for them, through right or wrong. You are their parent and must be respect, but are also a confidant they can come to when troubles arise. Just understand that as a parent, you must live the way you want your children to live. Expect much from them. Reward and acknowledge them when they succeed. Punish and explain to them when they error. These are my thoughts for now, changes my come. There is no gift more precious then life.

Take care..