Parent's Report Card Time

A friend recently told me that he took his son out for a burger. While they were eating, his son said, "Dad, do you know why I am eating so slowly?" His dad said, "No. Why?" And his son replied, "So I can have more time withnyou."nnThose are powerful, thought-provoking words. Kids need their parents. Kids desire their parents. They want our attention. They want our affection. And kids need our unconditional love and acceptance.nnHow are you doing in that area? Maybe its time for us as parents to get a report card. What type of grade would you give yourself in the following areas? And perhaps more importantly, how would your children grade you? Take a moment to grade yourself and if you are up for it, ask your children to grade you as well.nnI praise my kids when they make good choices. _A _B _C _D _FnnI look for opportunities to encourage my children. I'm their best cheerleader. _A _B _C _D _FnnI point out their strengths and build up their self-esteem any chance I can. _A _B _C _D _FnnI comfort them in their disappointments. _A _B _C _D _FnnI enter into my child's world by sharing time and talking with him or her daily. _A _B _C _D _FnnI apologize to my kids if I respond in anger or make a mistake as a parent. _A _B _C _D _FnnI ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions. _A _B _C _D _FnnI let them know I am a safe place if they need to talk. _A _B _C _D_FnnI look for teachable moments to teach my kids strong values. _A _B _C_D _FnnI try to role model healthy, moral choices for my children. _A _B _C_D _Fnn don't withhold affection, praise or attention from my child as punishment. _A _B _C _D _FnnI don't put unrealistic expectations on my children. _A _B _C _D _FnnI discipline in love, not in anger. _A _B _C _D _FnnI let my children know they are loved unconditionally and without qualification. _A _B _C _D _FnnA statement that has stayed with me for a long time is "Rules without Relationship = Rebellion." Creating and maintaining lasting, deep, trusting relationships with our children is not quick, and it is not easy. But isnit worth it? I think you know the answer.nnThere are definitely areas I need to improve in as a parent. How about you?n nLike our children, we will get another report card. If you need to improve in some areas, take some time to work on them. And as Diana Ennen of VirtualWordPublishing.com states, "Remember every step you take to improve is a step in the right direction. Just keep taking those steps continually and you'll see results."nnOne thing I make sure to tell my children often is that there is absolutely nothing they can do to make me love them any less. Sure, they can cause me to be disappointed, very disappointed, and even angry. But my love for them will never lessen. And my kids know that. To me, that deserves an "A".n