You can still have a life but don't expect it to 'make' your relationship
Parenting is one of those things that you will always question yourself and wonder how best to raise your children. Most parents these days will read up on lots of books and articles on line to help them on their journey but in reality how good is this? Not all of the information you are given is correct and a lot of parenting should be built on your gut instinct as there can be misconceptions about your children and parenting.
- The terrible twos don’t really exist- The terrible twos are a stage mentioned frequently by parents, though it has to be said that they do exist but so do all the other “terrible” stages. Your kid doesn’t just stop being a messer once he turns three. As teenagers your nerves will be tested massively, so in hindsight there isn’t an easy stage, the truth is parenting is hard work at any time.
- Money will sort itself- The reality here is money does matter when you have kids and being a parent is expensive. It is imperative that you keep a handle on your finances, manage your money well and pay for the household bills first, the other luxuries just will have to wait unless you have surplus money hanging around.
- You will have no life once you have kids- Actually that depends on what your hopes and aspirations are for the future, for some people they want to live life free and travel which is perfectly fine and for others they yearn to settle down and enjoy life as a parent. Sure it is hard socialising when you have nippers but it is manageable, your life doesn’t have to be a bore just because you have kiddies.
- It will make your relationship- No it won’t. Anyone that believes that is the case is in for a shock. A fragile relationship will not be strengthened by a new baby in fact it could break it as children will add stress to your lives and only the strongest couples will see through the sleepless nights and the many piles of washing!
- You have to nip bad behaviour in the bud straight away- You do have to be consistent and ensure that your child knows the boundaries but accepting that your child will make mistakes is important. Every bad behaviour doesn’t need disciplining, sometimes kids mess up and they should be allowed to do so.
- You are responsible for your child’s future - You can be the very best parent and do everything right but your kid could still choose to take a very different path to the one you had hoped for. Children will choose their own destiny and their success isn’t due to you but rather down to their own personal determination and ambitions. Show them the best path but ultimately it is up to them where they go in life.
Written by Emma. Emma is a writer with Family Friendly HQ and also writes her own parenting musings over at www.emmasmadjotters.com
