Parenting

    Being a parent is the most fulfilling thing have I have ever done. Every day I thank God, because of all the little boys in the world, I am so lucky to be blessed with the best one. He is blessed with a wonderful mother who is likewise blessed with a wonderful family. Even the little things are fulfilling when you are a parent: changing a diaper, reading a book, or rubbing their back until they fall asleep. While I have always wanted kids, I probably was not ready to be a parent when my son first came, thankfully I have been blessed with people who would help me until I was ready. Since I have started rebuilding my life from scratch on September 30th, 2001, I have tried to put my son and being a good parent as my first priority in life.
  The amazing thing about being a parent is I think my son teaches me as much about being a parent that I teach him about living life. I think that is part of the burden of being the oldest child and being an oldest child myself I try to keep that in mind. As a parent you have to watch what your child picks up from you. It is not what you are trying to teach them that is important, it is what they learn. I do hope that some day I will be blessed with more children after I am married. 

These are some of my beliefs on parenting:

Commitments for Parents

1. I will always love and respect my child for who he is and not who I want him to be.
2. I will give my child space--to grow, to dream, to succeed and even, sometimes, to fail.
3. I will create a loving home environment and show my child that she is loved, whenever and however I can.
4. I will, when discipline is necessary, let my child know that I disapprove of what he does, not who he is.
5. I will set limits for my child and help her find security in the knowledge of what is expected of her.
6. I will make time for my child and cherish our moments together, realizing how important--and fleeting--they are.
7. I will not burden my child with emotions and problems he is not equipped to deal with, remembering that I am the parent and he is the child.
8. I will encourage my child to experience the world and all its possibilities, guiding her in its ways and taking pains to leave her careful but not fearful.
9. I will take care of myself physically and emotionally, so that I can be there for my child when he needs me.
10. I will try to be the kind of person I want my child to grow up to be--loving, fair-minded, moral, giving and hopeful.

 "If A Child..."

• If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
• If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
• If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
• If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
• If a child lives tolerance, he learns to be patient.
• If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident.
• If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
• If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
• If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
• If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
• If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

"To My Child"

• Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
• Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
• Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
• Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
• Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
• Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
• Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
• Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
• Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a "Happy Meal" so you can have both toys.
• Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
• Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
• Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
• Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
• Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given. I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
• And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank Lord for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day........

All of this cuteness is one little package that fits in your cupboard
Ya Man! I'm Cool!
	Getting Ready to go Swimming!!
Watching Hockey!! My favorite sport!!	Aren't I cute?

learmanj@msu.edu