The biggest question on my mind, as a single parent, is always, am I doing the right thing? Am I making choices that will benefit Hailey. Am I setting a good example, am I teaching my child to be strong, independent and an asset to our society?
No one has all the answers, and sometimes, even when you do the right things, things don’t always turn out like you plan.
Minute by minute you are making small choices and big decisions that impact your childs life and who they will become. Sometimes we forget how huge the little things are, our kids are watching, we need to set a better example.
Some things you see over and over again, we all know these things, but we need to recommit to setting a better example.
Not every bit of our parenting is huge, but it can all be life changing, start by showing them how to be a better person. The side effect is that you yourself will become a better person in the process.
Some things you should never do:
Drink and drive.
Text and drive.
Speak unkindly of your child’s other parent.
Never gossip about others, especially in front of your children.
Never allow texting at the dinner table.
Never give your child money or an allowance for doing nothing.
Never tolerate foul language or bad grammar.
Do not tolerate any form of pornography in your home.
Do not allow any form of abuse in your home, emotion, physical or sexual.
Never become so concerned with being your childs friend that you forget to be their parent.
This is a short list, we all have lots more we could add to it. The important thing is that children really do learn what they live. If we speak kindly, take care of others and show them what is right, we won’t have to lecture. What child actually listens to a lecture anyway?
They may forget what you say, but they will never forget how something made them feel.