Where Are All The Parenting Resources?
I was up till about 4am this morning, searching online for parenting resources. The problem is that all the resources are either for families that are court ordered to take parenting classes or have children already in the state systems. We are not in the system and honestly I don't want to be.
I am a good parent. I pay attention. I listen. I am active at their schools and with the ones that are homeschooled we do stuff all the time. I stick up for them and support them in whatever it is they are doing. I read with them and to them. They all have rules and standards. Sometimes it isn't about the environment, and it is not lack of involved parents, it is about the child. So what are the parents supposed to do, keep worrying all night that their child is just destined for possible trouble? That is not good enough for me. I don't think it is fair that there is help for children and their families when it is too late. I think more needs to be available to avoid it before it goes too far.
What about the parents trying to be preventative? Where are the groups of moms and dads trying to brainstorm ideas to keep their kids out of trouble? Why aren't there groups for parents that don't want to be in the system?
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I am not an expert. I am not licensed to give out parenting advice. I am just a mom though, a mom of 5, and 1 that has me on this constant search for answers. Honestly I have no idea how to start to gather resources and people for this new journey I am considering but I do need to do something. I am thinking I need to start something for parents like myself....I am sure they are out there.
I never give unsolicited advice, but I am happy to help if anyone ever needs it :)
ReplyDeleteI will give parenting advice when asked. I have 5 kids ages 8-26 so I have lots of experience.
ReplyDeleteBernadette, you sound like a really good mom. You are engaged with your children, and you are concerned about them as well. You are well ahead of a lot of other moms. My kids are grown and I am sure you are facing a whole new set of challenges these days. My only advice for you is to keep being active and involved with your kids. Know where they are and who they are with. There are no guarantees.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy the stuff they get to go off the track for....from grades and school to bullying and appropriate phone etiquette. I just want to be ahead of anything (else) that could go wrong.
DeleteSo true! One of the reasons I am working now when the kids are little and trying to be at home with them when they are preteens and teens. Sort of backwards from most people, but I want them to be accountable to someone after school, since my husband and I feel that most stuff happens after school before parents get home. So our hope is that by me working now, so that I can stop working when the kids get older they'll be accountable to someone. Did that make sense? I know we're totally backwards from most people.
ReplyDeleteThat makes total sense. Kids are, I guess, easier when they are younger when it comes to school stuff and issues. I have been a stay at home mom more than I have been a working mom so I have always been available for mine but if there is a way to get into something my 1 son will find it.
DeleteI think each child is unique and may need to be handled differently than others. There's not an easy guide to go by all though it would be nice. I think you just have to search online for the problems you may be having to see if you can find someone having similar issues. It would be much easier than having a group that will post things that may not be relevant to everyone. Parenting is hard. Some things you just have to learn as you go.
ReplyDeleteIn the end we all just want the best for our kids. I love that you are very much aware of what they can go through in life, and it's nice to see how much you love your kids. I am a mom of twins, both of them are girls and I am just as concerned as you are.
ReplyDeleteParenting is hard, that's why I have a dog!
ReplyDeleteI never give parenting advice but I will give when anyone needs my help.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is hard to find good material on this topic, My mom has always been my guide! if u need any tips im sure shell be glad to help.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine giving anyone parenting advice. I can barely manage myself and my dogs!
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is any one set of "correct" answers when it comes to raising kids!
ReplyDeleteIM not a mom yet but I dont think there is only one way or "correct" way to raise a child. I mean.. nobody is perfect so I guess there is no "perfect" pareting way
ReplyDeleteI didn't have a computer when my kids were small so I didn't have any of the resources available today. I think starting a group would be great.
ReplyDeleteI can't give advice I am kidless. Good post2
ReplyDeleteI think having a group or support function locally would be a great idea for parents. Everyone knows that each area may have different struggles in bringing up a teenager, so it would be great to see something like this rolled out. Unfortunately, I don't think this is the focus of many government bodies or council offices, so would largely have to be a volunteer group.
ReplyDeleteI think that you sound like a great mum! Parents just want the best for kids and we should not judge their actions.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this endeavor. It's hard but I know you will succeed as long as you remain focused.
ReplyDeleteParenting did not come with a handbook and I find that no set rules will work with every child. Each child is unique.
ReplyDeleteI don't have to worry about this for a while longer thankfully!
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