A Parental Reflections

Yesterday was children's day in my country Nigeria and this year's theme is More money for Children's Education. Every child deserves access to good and quality education but sadly we are still lacking in terms of making sure that all Nigeria's children have access to quality education due to lack of funds. So the government and every concerned educational sector still has more to do in this regard.

It is a great opportunity for parents to reflect on the kind of parents they are or want to become. To celebrate them and as well remind ourselves of our important roles in their lives.

So this week challenge that can be found here with the topic, tell us the kind of parent you are or wants to be in the #motherhood community. I will say it is a perfect timing topic for me personally as this is a period we are celebrating children's day.

Children are the most precious gift from God to us. They bring us so much joy and happiness. Without them the world can not continue to exist at some point. Because of their innocence, they fill our home with so much love and laughter, and creativity. It is my prayer point always, that God continues to protect and help us guide these special gifts of ours.

Being A Parent

Being a parent is the toughest job there is, unlike other jobs, parenting does not come with a manual. Once they arrive you get to immediately start learning how it works and being the best parent you can be. This time the only things you have are your parental instinct. And some advice from family and friends. Striving to do everything you know is the best for your child/children becomes the best practice. Pro tips surround yourself with parents with similar values as yours.

_{A Photo of my son, by me and designed in canvas.com}

Each time I look at my son, I'm full of gratitude to God for giving me such a privilege, to love and care for him. I feel so lucky each time for giving us such a healthy little angel. And for keeping my family alive and safe.

Yesterday I spent quite some amount of time reflecting on the kind of parent I'm striving to become.

I was lucky to have a parent with a great heart. Who loves me dearly, and taught me to love myself, have empathy and be kind to others, be independent, and treat others just the way I would like to be treated.

The kind of parent I'm and working to be better at

My parents had laid a good and strong foundation for me to follow in this regard. I can only work hard to be better at the ways I was brought up. For this, these are some areas I'm focusing on nurturing my baby.

Unconditional love

I love my son unconditionally, in all the circumstances my love for him will never depreciate simply because every single child deserves to be loved unconditionally regardless of how or what they are.

The Fun One

Having fun is very important in the life of our kids. I make sure to spend quality time to playing and having fun with him. Bringing him to recive fresh air outside the house or taking a simple walk with him makes him so happy.

A parent with empathy and truly cares

I treat my child just the way I would like to be treated if I'm to be in his position. I feel what he feels, I try to understand his cries and laughter. For me to really show him love I need to understand him in all aspects.

It was a bit challenging for me initially and at the same time fun and rewarding. I'm learning very fast with time. Through being patient, observing his body language and taking mental notes of everything.

Like the time he was just acting uncomfortable, tickling his leg and trying to grab my hands. He was around six weeks old. As I observed him closely and for a few seconds he started passing out gas, because I was paying a kin attention I learned how to handle him better subsequently by putting him on my shoulder and patting his back. This usually helps him to pass out the gas very easily. To truly care for him, I need to understand him, find out why he does everything he does. If I can't help him with little stuff like this how can I help him with the bigger challenges of life?

Leading by example.

We parents are our kids' first role models. The things they do and how they do it are what they learn by watching us.

For this, I'm very mindful of the kind of character and habits I exhibit around him. They pick up our characters so easily whether we thought they were watching or not. So, I strive to be a good role model to him in every area of my dealing.

I'm teaching him how to love himself and others by treating him with love, care, and adequate attention. And also by showing love and care to others around me.

When he grows up, I want him to be independent, to be kind, be happy and enjoy the little things of life. He should be able to treat himself and others with kindness and love. All of these depend largely on us, his parents and that has been our goals right from the onset.

For this to happen, we have to lead by example. I think the mistakes some parents make is by not being accountable themselves, and I don't want to be that kind of a parent.

Correction of his mistake and discipline

I'm the kind who will not hesitate to correct My child's mistakes with love by paying attention and letting him know that doing the right things is always the best. And there are consequences for doing the wrong things.

I will continue to show him what is right from things that are wrong. And always encourage and guide him to follow the right path.

This is the kind of a parent I'm and striving to be better at. I hope in many years to come I can come back to this post and smile at how great I'm doing at it.

I hope to nurture him into a good human being, discover his path very early in life and live a great happy life❤🥰

Thank you very much for reading me, sending hug 🤗 your way.

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