Parenting Confidence - Who Needs It?
By Frank McGinty
It used to strike me as odd - but really, it makes perfect
sense.
If you are a regular flier, or have flown
recently, you'll know what I mean. The 'plane is taxiing along
for take off and the cabin crew are going through the pre-flight
safety routine.
The odd bit I'm referring to is when they tell
you what to do with the oxygen masks in the event of the cabin
losing pressure. Now, all decent parents would feel the urge to
see to their children first. It's a natural instinct.
After all, you regularly hear of adults throwing
themselves down to push a child out of the way of an oncoming
truck, with no heed for their own safety.
So what advice are parents given?
See to your own oxygen mask first. In other
words, see to your own safety and then look after the
kids.
Yes, it used to strike me as odd - but when you
think about it, it makes perfect sense.
Your kids need you to look after them. And
you're no use to anyone if, whilst trying to assist them, you're
struggling to breathe and start to lose consciousness.
The common sense rule is: see to yourself first
- that way you'll be in a better position to help others. And
that way you all stand a better chance of survival.
And so it is with parenting skills.
You want to have the best parenting skills for
your family. And while you're at it, you want to overcome all
your family problems and challenges.
Most parents mean well. They want the best. But
often they overlook the obvious: You must first of all look
to yourself.
Probably the best parenting skills you can
develop are high self-esteem and confidence.
Yes, for you, yourself, not your family.
Their development and confidence will follow on
naturally from yours.
Because with high self-esteem and confidence
you'll be relaxed, self-assured, assertive, and you'll cope
in a crisis.
And all these qualities will be like music to
your family's ears! A Mom and Dad who are relaxed, confident and
caring in their parenting activities will produce relaxed,
confident and caring children.
But today there is a wave of anxiety, fear and
panic, not just among parents, but in society in general.
Ask yourself just how confident you are
in tackling your parenting projects.
Why not boost your parenting skills by boosting
yourself first and foremost? Whether you're a Mom or a Dad, or
even if you want to do this together as a couple, there's a
wealth of resources available.
A simple internet search will turn up an endless
stream of parenting resources.
The more effective your parenting skills, the
more balanced and productive our citizens!
And you know what? Your kids will love you for
it!
Happy parenting!
Frank McGinty is an internationally published
author and teacher. His writing includes motivational books for
both parents and teenagers. If you want to develop your
parenting skills and encourage your kids to be all they can be,
visit his web pages,
http://www.frank-mcginty.com/peace-formula.html
and http://www.frank-mcginty.com/for-parents.html
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