Sometimes it can be very difficult to "walk the talk" as a parent. For any of you who have seen the film -"Dan in Real Life" you'll know what I mean when I say "I should have known better". For those of you who have not seen the film, let me give you a brief synopsis. A parenting expert writes advice for other parents, in a newspaper column, but seems to have difficulty living his philosophies when it comes to his own life and his own kids.
Don't we all!!!!!
Do you ever remember looking at parent -child interactions before you had kids of your own and thinking " I can't believe they are doing that" or " My kids will never get away with that" or " I would do it differently" Well, I know of a few incidents, that come readily to mind, from my own parenting career when I thought to myself, " I am unqualified to be a parent, much less a parenting expert!" Point being, we all become emotionally entangled with our children at different times, in differnt ways. Those ties often make it difficult to be the perfect parent. Sometimes our fears and emotions get out of control.
So what!!!
I guess what I am saying is don't be too hard on yourself. Laugh at your mistakes. Relax. And talk with your kids. It's okay to make mistakes and love your kids. Just try to keep a balance and to be honest. What is most important is to be aware and to keep yourself in check. Talk with other parents for support. Be discerning with advice from friends, family, and even experts. Mke sure you keep your values in mind. Most importantly listen to your heart, and you will know what is best for your family. Know that making a plan for your children is good, but as Dan says in the film, " plan to be suprised"
