Parents, in my opinion......

(Now I say opinion because everything I state may or may not be proven facts)

-Children need consistency.

Two parents should never disagree in front of their children. Rules enforced once should always be enforced or not at all.

-A child's "happiness" is not a main priority.

What is a priority is their health, well being, and how well they are prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead. "Happiness" is not a necessity for survival. Therefore it takes a "back burner" to what is.

-All falls second to the children.

You should never as a parent put your wants or needs before the needs of the child. You should also, never put a child's wants above their own needs either.

-Children need discipline as much as they need praise.

A lot of parents either do not acknowledge a child's accomplishments enough or do not provide enough discipline for wrong doings. Children require a balance not one extreme or the other.

-Love

Is one word to describe what it takes to be a parent. Sometimes you must be tough and let go or do nothing. Other times you must do all you can to make sure that you are there and hold them tight.

-Be a parent!

Never neglect your children by letting the schools, video games, and their friends, guide and teach them all that they know. Every parent is their child's guide through life. You must lead them in the right direction unless they be mislead.

Life is tough and it is full of challenges that we all know all too well of. We cannot rely on the teachings of our parents to show us how to be the best parents we can be. Each of us are individuals, and so are our children. Therefore each child, with each parent, with each different situation, requires a different action. We are responsible for teaching and guiding our children to one day become adults. It is our job to prepare them for the day when they will be on their own. If we don't teach them, or let them learn, they will fail and it is us, the parents, who shall be responsible for our mistakes. We are molding our future, let's make it one we can be proud of.

There has definitely got to be more but I didn't plan this out just venting. But I see it all the time. To me it seems so simple, but I fight so much with other parents about important issues. I am not saying that I am perfect, but I know that I do a great job and I strive to be the best I can be. I will gladly debate these issues with any parent, any time. I hope that this will help. Thank you