I am a dad. I have been now for over 8 years. And I suppose I don't know just everything there is to know about being a dad, good bad or otherwise.
I have learned a couple of things though.
My wife, Susan and I had been married for about 6 years before my daughter, my oldest child Andrea was born. I cut the umbilical cord and almost immediately began to wonder how I was going to teach her. How could I lead her. How was I going to be the all knowing FATHER figure, I was sure I was supposed to be.
I wondered if I would have the wisdom in me to guide her through life's biggest decisions.
How could I lead her as she chose a career when I still wasn't sure what I wanted to be when I grew up?
How could I instill in her the wisdom necessary to choose a husband when my own wonderful marriage was a series of happy accidents, blind commitment and amazing providence.
How could I help her find her way spiritually and morally. The questions I anticipated were just so DEEEEEPPPP! And I was just so shallow.
I know now that you start with the small stuff.
When Susan and I first found that we were going to have a baby, I got involved. we read books. We went to Lamaze classes. I was going to be the amazingly capable husband and coach in the delivery room. When the time came, I was barely able to stand up at the head of the delivery bed, hold Susan's hand and keep from passing out.
When we had our second child, Alizabeth , I was more experienced. I was a little more capable. When our son Steven arrived I was an old pro and when our fourth baby came to us the doctor actually told me I would have to move over so she could perform the delivery instead of me. I still think I could have delivered Abigail myself.
When you first become a parent, you start with the diapers and learn to protect your baby and allow them to grow. What I learned is that you can grow with them.
You don't have to know how to guide their career choices. You have to teach them to finish what they start and to love a job well done.
You don't have to teach your children to wisely choose a spouse, you have to let them know that they have intrinsic worth with or without Mr. or Mrs. right.
You don't have to answer all of the big spiritual and moral questions. You have to teach them to love God and to love others.
If you can start with holding your wife's hand and keep from passing out, you can move on to the big stuff when you're ready
Steve Brummet is a communication expert, writer and speaker who works with all types of organizations to increase understanding of communication styles.
Better communication can help you and your organization reduce stress and increase productivity. For more information on one of our workshops, please feel free to call or write.
http://www.communicationspeaker.com
http://www.communicationspeaker.com
972-548-6048
214-578-4172
Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More
Some public schools try to turn children against their parents... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
1 "Law of Belonging": The greatest need of teenagers (after... Read More
Here is something that you might want to keep if... Read More
Is there a fathering instinct?Celebrated child development expert Erik Erikson... Read More
As thinking, acting human beings we have the ability to... Read More
If you are a member of a stepfamily, you know... Read More
1. Make stronger connections among individuals and, therefore, creates a... Read More
In today's busy world, many parents have lost the art... Read More
When a couple steps forth with a baby in tow... Read More
Do your children have a McChildhood? Do they experience the... Read More
What parents of a teen haven't wondered where their sweet... Read More
According to researchers, most children enter school with a good... Read More
Being consistent when children are less than perfect can make... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Often I will hear parents say, "I just ignore Jr.... Read More
The techniques of managing relationships between parents and their children... Read More
Here are ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your... Read More
The following spelling games can be used by parents to... Read More
When parents help their children learn to read, they help... Read More
What makes parenting so challenging at times? One widespread research... Read More
Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or... Read More
Here is a top secret to make your child genius... Read More
There's a phrase that's become popular over the past few... Read More
maid service near Glenview .."Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times... Read More
How to Get Your Child to Love Reading was conceived... Read More
Should a parent give a child a tangible reward when... Read More
Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More
Discipline is a necessary part of parenting yet it makes... Read More
All children will likely have many different health problems during... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
Thank you for all that you do in the classroom!... Read More
There are few thoughts as terrifying as the abduction of... Read More
Demanding children ? children who have entitlement issues ? seem... Read More
I have always been aware of my number one weakness:... Read More
What's in a name? Er?well, everything, really! Of course your... Read More
Researchers have estimated that 25-35% of children in the United... Read More
Did you know that cooking with your kids is a... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
Drivers 16 years of age have little driving experience, putting... Read More
When my son was 18 (and had finished school), he... Read More
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More
Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More
Most of us can agree that there is a lack... Read More
Q. I need your help with a question about my... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
The great thing about children is they absorb knowledge like... Read More
Parenting |