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
Would you hand a child calculus problems once she was... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
In a single dose of children's television, I was bombarded... Read More
How excited do kids get with the start of school... Read More
What's new and effective in the treatment of Attention problems?... Read More
Being in a competitive world, the lowest qualification to secure... Read More
We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More
Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child... Read More
Traditionally, babies have been named at a christening/baptism.... Read More
"The best blush to use is laughter: It put roses... Read More
During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More
I was reading "A Modern Infant Armada", a humor column... Read More
1 - Forgive even if you will never be able... Read More
Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired and... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
My name is Duncan and I'm 2 years old. I... Read More
Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More
When you think about it, probably the one thing that... Read More
Q: My husband and I are at a loss as... Read More
Under the "No Child Left Behind Act," public schools whose... Read More
The First Reason: For one thing, child development experts are... Read More
Now is an excellent time to have your child's vision... Read More
Is there a difference between lazy and unmotivated? Why do... Read More
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two... Read More
Finding out that a child has been born with a... Read More
reliable maid service Lincolnshire ..Q: Whenever we tell my daughter "no," she just bugs... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out... Read More
It's sometimes difficult to find ways to be involved with... Read More
We were sitting in the family room. My kids had... Read More
There's a phrase that's become popular over the past few... Read More
Many families do not want to believe their child is... Read More
Many young people don't know how to study efficiently and... Read More
Do you want to create a deeper, more loving relationship... Read More
'Whose room is it anyway?'If you have a teenager, you're... Read More
Before going further into choosing computers for children, I believe... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
You want your daughter to wear a dress to the... Read More
Home-schooling provides children with a superior education. Parents can quickly... Read More
Research literature, recent books, and common sense, all point to... Read More
In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More
ADHD comes in differenty forms, or types. What... Read More
The 21st Century Problem in Schools: Bullying, and How to... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
I am sure that this list can be jogged and... Read More
I had just completed a session with 17-year old Julie... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
As a step daughter and step grand daughter, I followed... Read More
Just the other day, I was talking to some other... Read More
Parenting |