Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Parent (11/16/06)
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TITLE: Parenting Mayhem | Previous Challenge Entry
By Michelle Burkhardt
11/22/06 -
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The time frame to instill positive behavior in children is from 0 to 3 years of age. Rob Reiner’s television special, “I Am Your Child,” was aired in 1997with a host of celebrities describing the effects of showing even the smallest amount of love to your child, and the consequences if they are neglected. Every parenting magazine has countless articles to give advice on how to help raise a child to grow into a self sufficient, self reliant adult that can function in society. The pressure on parents is enormous. The parents are blamed for every mishap, crime, and attitude displayed by their children. For example, every eye is on the parent in the grocery store whose child is on the floor, kicking and screaming, “I want some candy!” No one looks at the store manager to ask, “Why is the candy even there in the first place? It is hard enough trying to shop with little children and a limited budget that requires the use of coupons. By the time a poor, exhausted mother reaches the check-out lane, she is spent, and so are her children.
Plus, what is a parent to do when their little sweet angel will not go off into slumber land when it is time for bed? Put the munchkin into his bed and let him scream for 45 minutes or just bring him into your bed because either way, you won’t be getting any sleep that night.
Providing a balance of nutritional meal is another way that parents are confused. A parent finally figures out how to cook meals from the government’s Food Pyramid that suggested you eat six to 11 servings of “bread, cereal, rice, or pasta” each day. Then, in a blink of an eye the pyramid flips upside down and now too many carbohydrates are bad. Trash those recipes and start learning creative ways to use tofu.
At one time parents were told to make sure the child has extra-curricular activities to prevent them from getting into trouble. Mom and Dad think, “Ok, we will put junior in soccer, Boy Scouts, church, play an instrument, and volunteer for local charity and with homework, he will not have any time to get into trouble” Sounds pretty well rounded; however, “The Experts" have recently scolded parents with statements that kids are over scheduled and parents are expecting too much. Start canceling those guitar lessons.
Parents want to teach their children to defend themselves but at the same time if the child is involved in a fight at school for any reason, not only will it lead to a suspension but you may even find the local police involved with some type of assault charge due to the “No Tolerance Policy.” Little Susie now needs her own lawyer.
The controversy of stay at home moms vs. working moms has been ongoing for decades. Is it quality time or quantity? Does a mother or even father stay at home and be the primary care for their children or do we live in a society that requires a two family income just to make ends meet. Even the school that a child receives an education from is under debate. Is public, private or even homeschooling better?
If your head is starting to spin, don’t fret! Here is a solution for all the parents out there that are worried about their children’s future. Lean on God. He is the key. People including parents are sinful. Parents will make mistakes and there is no such thing as the, “perfect child.” It is a tough job and God knows first hand just how tough. Adam and Eve were the first “children” to defy their Father. Therefore, even if the master of parenting has a difficult time getting His children to obey and follow the rules, then, what makes us any different? Every day I ask God to cover my mistakes. Do the best you can, love your children with all your heart and all your soul and more importantly, pray to your Father to protect your precious children. Especially, pray for your children for when they become parents. They will need all the help they can get.
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