(*got this one from Parenting.com too! :lol: )

Most of us want to do a great job of raising our kids, but we all have different ideas about what that means. In your opinion, what are the most important elements of being a good parent? How do you strive for -- or achieve -- your parenting goals? What would help you be a better mom or dad?

In my opinion...oh boy. I guess following your maternal/paternal intuition is usually good. I do this alot. Listen to your kids. (I need to do this more.) I get told that I'm a "good parent" from strangers, so I guess I'm doing something right. :dunno:

Yeah - I have to agree with Lena.

I do what comes naturally. Sometimes it ain't right, and I know it - later. But there are times when it doesn't feel right and someone else will come up and say "I like the way you handled that."

When I'm stumped, however, I'm not afraid to ask. That may be apparent from posts here and elsewhere...

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I think the number one thing is TIME.

Gotta spend quality time with 'em....

Wow, tough question. I think Squat had it right - time. Ya gotta spend time w/ them. I also think lead by example. You want your kids to pray - let them see you pray. You want your kids to go to church - you go to church w/ your kids. You want your kids to eat right - you eat right.

Goals? I'm suppose to have goals? I missed that memo.

An instruction manuel. :)

Dunno..... still new at this gig

Just wish my son didn't have my attitude...
Keep asking my wife if she's absolutely sure that he's not mine....
I swear we had to have hooked up in HS and ...... anyway....

I need more patience with the kids but I do wish they'd listen....

I want my kids to be completely comfortable with me. Just slightly intimidated... enough to keep them in check. But not so much as to make them want to do bad things behind my back.

I want my kids to learn a lot from me. I always admired those friends of mine who were smart and credited their parents for what they knew.

On the other hand, I feel like a very bad parent right now. I'm sitting here typing while telling Rachel to "sit down and watch Ice Age"

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I should add this...


The number one "element" that we MUST show our kids is JESUS.


He gave us our kids...and he fully expects us to raise them on Biblical standards.

We need to model HIM...and be sure they know we are doing it.

It's a responsibility that calls Christian parents to higher parental performance.

Red's got stay at home parent syndrome.




Yes, spending time is important. But don't underestimate fear! They should be afraid, very afraid. Just kidding...a little.

I do the best I can and apologize often. It's important that your children know you are human and that we all make mistakes but it's crucial to make things right when we do.

Faith is an incredible parenting tool. We all joke about having a manual, but truthfully, we just really need the Word. If we can do all things through Christ, then that includes parenting. I pray for guidance and wisdom all the time and God never lets me down. Fill your kids with the Word of God and you can't go wrong.

Okay, we just shared a dance and had a tickle fight. Feeling better. :)

And those are the moments she'll remember. :thumbsup:

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hehe


Red is a good bro...and dad.





I've been doing a dance with my 7 month old for the past couple of weeks and SHE loves it...I do the "bump bump ba bump ba" version of "Tequilia" song and swing and dip with her in my arms...

I get her giggling so much, I have to put her down and do it with my 3 and 5 year olds...they just soak that stuff up.

Daddy's & dancing....I love it! My DH puts a Harry Belafonte CD in and he & Andie boogie to the calypso music....so cute and FUNNY! :rolf:

Tommy dances with Sarah while I'm making dinner. They have an "our song" they dance to already. It's very sweet.