Parenting

When we get married to our spouse the prospect of children is hopefully naturally going to become a serious topic of discussion. Starting a family is exciting but it can also be frightening. You are not going to be the perfect parent when you have your first child. It is a learning experience. You grow and improve with time. I know that my parents have evolved over time as they have become more confident  in their parenting. Through trial and error they were able to see what parenting techniques worked and which ones did not. The one thing that stayed constant was their expression of unconditional love. There is nothing more reassuring to a child than knowing without a doubt that they are loved and cared about. 

In class we discussed specific "needs":

1. May be physical and/or psychological. 

2. Needs overlap and intertwine.

3. Needs might vary depending on stage of life. 

4. Unmet needs result in tension or frustration. 

It is important for parents to consider the needs of their children and provide for not only their physical needs but emotional ones as well. Make sure that you identify specific needs that are truly what the individual child needs. Don't assume you know. Communicate with them and ask. 

"You can never get enough of what you don't need, because what you don't need cannot satisfy you."

Make sure to involve Heavenly Father in your progress of being a good parents. Consult with Him about the actions you should take, especially when you are experiencing struggle. 

- Pray together as a couple about your children and how you should parent them.