Good Parents Read Parenting Articles

I want to commend you for what you’re doing right now, reading an article about how to improve your parenting. Good work! Of all the things you could be doing right now, you are making a commitment to your family rather than wasting your time on reading something frivolous, yet entertaining. You are saying that your family is really important to you, more important than any crossword puzzle, television show, movie, or newspaper cartoons. You are saying, to yourself, and to your family, “Family, you are important to me!” I am very proud of you and I admire you for your choice. What I routinely find is that it really isn’t the ‘bad’ parents that read parenting articles anyhow. The ‘bad’ parents are pretty busy recovering from hangovers, working extraordinary hours towards promotions they don’t need, and chatting with friends on the phone about the newest Pottery Barn store. They aren’t spending their time reading parenting articles. So, here you are, a good parent, reading a parenting article. What is it that you hope to learn today? Should I write an article about using Time Out? Should I write about how to handle when your children steal? How to help children with their homework? Or how to get your kids to bed on time? Well, I’m not going to write about any of that today. You have the answers already. You know what the “good” and “right” things are to do. You simply must trust your gut instincts and do what you know needs to be done. Never mind if it’s going to be hard, you’re willing to work hard. Never mind if it’s going to take a lot of time, you’re willing to commit the time to your family. Never mind if your approach won’t be “popular,” you know parenting isn’t a popularity contest. Just spend today looking inside yourself for the answers that are already there. Then listen to them! Then give yourself a pat on the back and allow yourself to have a little pride about doing the right thing for your family. Then, get back to work!