One of my Ezine articles was about the importance of having a clear vision for what you want your family to be like. A great way of taping into your vision, is to start by answering the question, what’s great parenting look like to you?
Please comment below with your definition of great parenting. Be as detailed as you like! I look forward to reading your answers! To start off the discussion, I will write some of the components of my definition. I’m going to refine this as time goes on. (Like parenting, I believe that it is important to focus on momentum, not perfection!)
Great parenting is where everyone’s needs are met, in an environment that is respectful, supportive and fun. Part of great parenting is exposing my kids to many activities and hobbies, in order to help them find passions that will nurture and sustain their lives. Another part includes nurturing old passions and finding new ones that model for my children a rich and full life. Ultimately parenting is leadership, and so we need to demonstrate healthy living ourselves, including physical fitness, mental and spiritual health.
I’m going to work on a more succinct, complete definition in the next while. So what do you think? What constitutes great parenting to you?
One component of great parenting to me is – being able to have real open conversations with your kids, and them with you. Parenting two teens I feel that I can and do talk with them about almost anything, and so far they seem to be able to do the same with me. My relationship with my children is much more open and honest than mine with my parents and I JUST LOVE being able to share that gift with them!
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Jacqueline Green Reply:
September 14th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Great point Karen! Open conversations with our kids is a key to great parenting, and one that many of us did not have with our parents! It does make for a much happier family, as well as makes parenting easier and more enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing Karen.
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