Things I Wished I Learned Earlier About Parenting!

Something very beneficial for us parents to learn early on is that as parents, we are our own bosses. Yup. Believe it or not, we really are our own bosses. Cool, huh? You see, in some ways, we actually get to do what we want to do. We get to raise our kids how we see fit, regardless of what all the experts say.

However, let’s also remember that while we are doing whatever we want, we also have some very valuable resources readily available to us if we’re wise. Those resources are called our parents and our parent-in-laws. The beautiful thing about our parents and parents-in-law is that they have real-world experience from being their own parental bosses too. Furthermore, they really want to help us and help their grandchildren as well.

Also, let’s give ourselves a break every once in a while and to lighten up. You see, we’re not going to be perfect, and that’s okay. As a matter of fact, it’s going to be impossible to be perfect, so let’s get it out of our heads, okay? Somedays we’re going to have to choose between getting the dishes done and spending time with our kids. And no matter which one we pick, we’re going to feel a little guilty that we let the other slide.

Numerous times I’ve come home from work, and there was my wife up to her elbows in childrearing duties feeling guilty about the dishes in the sink. You know what? Who cares about the dishes in the sink? They don’t really matter! Always choose your children when possible. I always tell my wife not to sweat it, the kids are more important, and I’ll clean up all the dishes after dinner.

Now, as my Granddaddy always said, “Go learn, lead, and lay the way to a better world for all of us.” Do the best you can as a young parent, and then be okay with that and some help once in a while. And once again parents, thanks in advance for all that you do, and all that you will do…

Daniel Blanchard is a New Britain Schoolteacher, bestselling and award-winning author, speaker, educator, and TV Host. Learn more about Dan: www.DanBlanchard.net