Persistence Parenting Tip No.2

Why have I placed Persistence as Parenting Tip No.2?

I often say that from the moment you bring your little bundle into this World. Nothing will ever be the same again. Your life has changed for ever. And the responsibilities as a parent never end. They will change and when you thought you couldn’t replace those wonderful memories & good times as well as challenges another chapter opens. Parenting is like a book every period in your child’s life is like a new chapter in your path as a parent.

We often forget that no one has all the answers. Each and everyone of us are doing this for the first time. And no child is the same, every child is different with different needs, personalities and talents. And anyone who claims they know it all or have all the answers as a parent- is what we call in Scotland a ‘Big fibber’.

What is Persistence?

Persistence is defined as; continuing towards a goal for a long time despite facing difficulties, obstacles and discouragement.

That unconditional love you have has a mum or dad motivates you to try and be the best parent possible even when you reach your 80’s and 90’s.

Everything in parenting has an equal challenge and reward. Those long sleepless nights, nappy changing etc. Are balanced out with their mere miracle of existence, that first smile, first. words Mum and Dad. The potty training, trying to feed them solids, trying to establish a bedtime routine -all is about persistence. Never giving up! Every little practical step is down to your persistence as a parent despite the discouragement and difficulties.

Remember

As mothers there is a saying that ‘Labour’ is a pain you forget. Similarly it is the same for Mum’s and Dad’s with the long sleepless nights, the potty training and the bedtime routine. We all remember the satisfaction and relief when your little one finally masters potty training, is happy to go to sleep after a bedtime story and sleeps through the night. All down to your persistence!

No matter what stage you are at just now remember with persistence you will get there and celebrate the little achievements. Because soon you will have a new stage, a new age with a new set of challenges. Celebrate the small incremental achievements because they do matter and many forget it is the little incremental things that matter. It is the small things that shape them into capable, confident young adults- little habits, principles and consistencies.

Ultimately every new challenge is the price and reward we get for having the privilege of being called ‘Mum and Dad’!