by Peggy Lindgren

Created on: March 29, 2009   Last Updated: November 07, 2009

Good parenting is the greatest challenge and responsibility we will ever accept in our lives. The truth is good parenting consists of a great deal of trial and error. As parents, we will make many mistakes along the way; we will learn from each mistake and move forward.

Our children look to us for guidance and support, from infancy to adulthood. Providing this consistency is important to their happiness and well-being. The importance of good parenting means we want to give our children every opportunity to be happy and succeed in life.

To parent effectively, we need to observe others whom we regard as "good parents" and learn from them. Trust your parental intuition and believe in your ability to parent this new life. I truly believe there should be a Parenting guidebook presented with every birth certificate!

Good parenting consists of teaching our kids the basic lessons in life.

~Lesson #1- Share

Teaching them to share from a very young age will help them be giving and unselfish adults. Start with sharing their toys with brothers, sister or playmates. This will teach them to share their time and talents as adults with others less fortunate.

~Lesson #2-Tell the truth

Teaching our kids it is okay to tell the truth when they do something wrong will build confidence that mistakes are okay and forgivable. Honesty builds character and gives us credibility with others.

~Lesson #3-Acceptance

Teaching children the importance of acceptance of others will enable them friends of all races and from all walks-of-life. Acceptance will give them understanding and compassion. They will have many friends and will learn not to judge others.

~Lesson #4-Responsibility

Responsibility is one of life's greatest lessons. Beginning with picking up their toys to driving the car, they must learn to be responsible and accept responsibility. This lesson is difficult to teach. I believe kids learn so much from observing their parents along the way. Kids learn best from watching us cope and manage situations.

~Lesson #5- Respect

Giving and receiving respect is one of the greatest lessons of life. Children need to learn to respect others as well as their property and this earth. Showing respect for others will bring respect upon his/her, contribute to their character and enhance their chances of success.

A good parent offers unconditional and constant love. We can teach them all the many lessons of life; forgive their mistakes, accept them for who they are and offer them a safe and happy home. In good and bad times, love them anyway.

Maybe one of these days that Parenting guidebook will be written, given to every new parent and make things just a bit easier!

Good parenting does not come easy to most of us. It is with great effort, much anxiety and many prayers that we raise our children. Our hope is they will become loving, responsible and successful adults who live fulfilling lives.

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