How Do You learn to Be a Parent ?

Parenting is the toughest, most important job most people will ever encounter. However, there is no license or training required. Unfortunately, the cost of bad parenting is huge. Thankfully, it is very easy for parents to learn the skills of good parenting in addition to all of the pitfalls of bad parenting. All it takes for parents to learn more about parenting is to watch, listen, and learn. nnWatching... nnis a key ingredient in learning more about parenting. Watch other parents around you and you can learn all sorts of lessons. You will learn how to interact with your child, how to discipline your child, and how to teach your child. nnAlmost everywhere you take your child there will be other parents and their children. When you watch, you must not only observe, but listen. Hear the tone of voice as well as the words those parents use. Some parents use the right words but their tone and physical manner suggests the opposite.nnWatch the children and observe their response. Some children respond more positively to their parents. What is different about that parent-child relationship? What can you learn to assist you with your relationship with your own child?n nListen from advice...nnYou don't need to take every piece of advice that is offered to you. After all, there are many parents who are free with advice and it is obvious that they are in no position to offer suggestions. nnHowever, there is often some really good advice shared by people you know and trust. In addition, you can receive good advice from casual acquaintances. Be a sponge... Keep your ears and eyes open. You don't have to take that advice but keeping your options open gives you the opportunity to decide for yourself what information you can benefit from.nnBe an active learner...nnSeek out information when you face a parenting challenge. As your child grows older and learns, some of your old parenting or discipline techniques no longer work.nnSearch the internet, browse through parenting books, and ask some experts in your circle of friends. nnSometimes great advice will be readily available, but other times you will have to search for that advice. The more proactive you are about finding solutions to your parenting problems then the better parent you will become. nnParenting is a challenging job...there is no job more challenging. But, the rewards cannot be matched. There are times when parents are forced to take an unpopular stand or make a difficult decision. nnBut, if you are a good parent and develop solid parenting skills, the rewards will far outweigh the challenges. Those rewards include a happy, successful child and a warm, loving relationship that will extend long past childhood and span the rest of your life. nnSo, do we really need special training to be a good parent?nnIf you watch, listen, and learn then you can be the parent you want to be and your child deserves.nnTo your continued success,nnMarc