The Mental Emotional Health Blog

There is certainly no shortage of books, websites, magazine, and people who can give advice on how to parent. In fact, the multitude of parenting perspectives out there can be overwhelming, confusing, or can make you feel like you’re parenting the wrong way.

So today I’ll try to simplify it all: If your children’s basic needs are met, they know right from wrong, you tell them that you love them and that they belong, they are getting an education, and they are up to date on medical and dental care, then you’ve accomplished the basics of parenting.

Discipline strategies, learning activities, and finding ways to entertain your children are all helpful. But focus on accomplishing the basics first. You may provide everything in the list above and yet doubt your own parenting if your child is not grateful or well-behaved. Note what you do as a parent, pay attention to the things you do that work, and give yourself credit.

Children are not well-educated judges on how well you have fulfilled your parenting duties. Actually, if they do act like they are the rightful judges of your parenting, they’re probably deciding to not behave or listen to you a good part of the time. Stick to what you know is right, provide the needs they have as children, and keep at it. Children are smart these days, so if they have a basic suggestion that is helpful then listen and consider it. You are the final authority on how to parent your children, though. You know them best.

Don’t give up, and get support from other parents, teachers, coaches, or health providers when you need it. Someone once told me, “Parenting is the toughest job you’ll ever love.”