be a better parent

The parenting classes were great. I still haven’t set aside special time for my daughter, unless you count helping her with her homework! Good grief. I think I will try to “play” with her more. I get so caught up with the baby, I need to spend time with her alone. I do read her to bed every night. That counts for something. I really want to play with her more. I will work on that.

Well, I am taking parenting classes at the church near our house. They are free for 6 weeks in the evenings 6-7pm. The book is John Rosemond’s 6 step plan to healthy and happy children (or something like that). His other book New Parent Power is at the library and is more comprehensive. So far, I like the classes a lot.

I will take this off my goals list when I spend regular time with my daughter every week and she expects it. (Kind of like my date night with my husband). And when I am treating my daughter with respect on a regular basis (don’t yell at her or snap at her rudely) I don’t do that to other people, so why don’t I use my manners with her too?

So, I have found that the more I take care of myself, the better a parent I am. I know that sounds like everyone’s advice. But, finally, for me, I am putting it into practice and it is working. I am having more fun parenting. I am really working on me and it is great for my daughter to see me happy more.

Actually, I just finished a parenting book and it inspired me to continue. My next parenting book (underachievement syndrome) isn’t about discipline as much as on helping my daughter avoid “underachievement syndrome” and work on her self-esteem. Maybe I should parent myself! and read a book on my self-esteem too!