On the tenth day of Christmas – How I thought I’d parent versus how I actually parent
I’ve always wanted children. For as long as I can remember I knew that one day I would be a mum and with that came some thought of what type of parent I would be.
I’d be a parent who would never shout at their kids. One who would never stop their children from doing what they wanted to do and one who would give their children the freedom and independence that I didn’t have when I was a child.
Aside from the not shouting part, I’m pretty much the parent I thought I’d be!
I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my children and that’s why I don’t tend to have ‘days off’ or days where I go out on my own whilst someone else looks after my children. I’m not parents who do that shouldn’t do that, it’s just not for me.
To be honest with you on the odd occasion where I’ve had to go somewhere without my children, I find myself not being able to concentrate on what I’m meant to be doing because I’m thinking of my children and wishing that I was with them.
When I finish work, I get home as quickly as I can because I’ve missed them and want to see them.
Just going back to the no shouting thing I mentioned earlier. I think unless you’re a mute, the vast majority of parents will shout at their children. They may do this quite sternly or they may take a gentler approach.
I try to take the gentle approach, but some days when I’ve had enough and am tired, it’s only natural so shout. I don’t like shouting, but sometimes things can get the better of me and I’ll end up raising my voice.
The parent I want to be is like my husband. He has three children from a previous marriage and I really admire the relationship he has with them. They all feel confident to talk to him about anything and I think that’s wonderful. It’s certainly something I never felt confident doing when I was a kid!
I hope to give my children the freedom to make their own mistakes. Something I feel I wasn’t given.
I think children learn best by making their own mistakes. If we don’t allow them to make mistakes and resolve their own problems then how will they learn? Of course, if they needed my help and support I’d be there in an instant!
I believe it’s important to give children the space to grow and become independent. I think I’m a pretty hands on parent. I love playing with toys and games with our girls. I love doing crafts with them, drawing with them, teaching them new things and taking them out to nice places.
I also like to just sit and cuddle them, talk to them and just be with them! I think as far as parents go, I’m a pretty good one!
4 Comments
Teddy Bears And Cardigans
December 22, 2015 at 9:36 am
Fantastic, it's not easy being a parent. When mine were little I worked full time so I felt guilty about leaving them when I was not working so I didn't. I still feel that I missed so much of their childhood. So enjoy your time with them, it goes so quickly.
Mellissa Williams
December 22, 2015 at 9:59 am
It sounds like you are a fab parent Emily. I think I probably am an embarrassing parent lol but I am a very affectionate one too.
Mrs Tubbs
December 22, 2015 at 1:36 pm
It's not easy being a parent and there's no how to guide. You sound like you're doing great 🙂 Have a wonderful Christmas
Awaken-Beauty
December 22, 2015 at 3:21 pm
you are indeed 🙂