What's a Parent Supposed to Do?

3 min read

  Great Question. Let’s take a look at the big picture.

A beautiful baby comes into the world, not as a blank slate as some may think. It then becomes the joy and privilege of the parents to find out just who this little loaded one is, with their own personality and gifts and talents.

There are a few major tasks of parenting that if we can achieve these, a good job will have been done.

1. Understand the three roles of a Parent:

Guardian…to keep safety, from dangers on the inside, for example, the tendency to avoid responsibility, inappropriate attitudes and behaviours and… the dangers from the outside world.

Manager… to reach goals, get things done, provide structure and discipline for the needs of maturity.

Source… to be the source of material needs and also the unseen needs such as love, spiritual growth , emotional support, encouragement etc and teaching on how to receive resources with gratitude and to use them responsibly.

  2. Another major goal is to help your child develop good character. This will support a successful future. Traits such as honesty, self- control and the responsibility to love others, need to be in their tool kit.

  3. Help your child internalise the structure you have been providing. For example, responsibility, self -control and freedom to choose. This is done with setting and maintaining  boundaries, with love, appropriate consequences and rewards.

 …and one last big one….Enjoy the journey!!!

(Concepts from ’Boundaries With Kid’s by Cloud and Townsend March 1998)