An Introduction to the Blog: Welcome to This-N-That Parenting
Purpose
Today is my first blog post, and I am super excited because this is something that has been swirling around in my head and prayed about for several years now. My purpose for creating this blog is to connect with other parents who want the most for their children. We have a strong sense of urgency to “get it right” but aren’t always sure what the best practices are to create these results.
There are some things that my parents did that I want to do the same. There are some things that I want to do differently. Of course, the “differently” is the hard part because there are so many voices out there telling us what’s best for children and how to raise children. It is easy to become overwhelmed in less than 10 minutes of Googling. I know I have and do, and I want to help relieve some of the anxiety. I too want to be the best I can be as a parent and fulfill my calling as a parent to the best of my ability.
After becoming a parent, I QUICKLY realized that I needed professional development in parenting just like I did in my profession. While teaching, I always tried to read as much as possible to be the best teacher I could possibly be and attend the most courses my schedule could hold. I have done the same as a parent. The hours (I have trouble sleeping) I have spent researching and studying parenting, I should hold a doctorate in the subject. I will humbly say on my children’s behalf that according to my research my kids could claim malpractice daily. Therefore, I continue to pray and try to be better!
My main goal is to help parents develop into the best parent they can and want to be!
Relationship
I have a background in education, and if there’s one thing I have learned about being successful with children, it is that you have to have a plan and be intentional with your plan to reach your goals.
In the words of the motivational speaker, Riney Jordan, “They Don’t Care How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care.” I found that children are very good at reading adults. Children need adults to be present. Whatever is going on with you and the child at the moment, needs to be all that is focused on. As hard as that is. The most important goal is a strong parent-child relationship.
With this blog, I want to explore and get parents thinking about the fine line between keeping a positive relationship with your children and being the conductor your child needs for 18 years. Let’s really make these years with us count. What’s best isn’t always what’s easiest.
Best Practices
We know that practices that have been researched and proven best for children physically, spiritually, and psychologically are the ones that are best to use. We also know that some good advice from those who came before us and got great results can be just as beneficial. I want to provide you with both.
So often when I’m around other parents, I hear them say things like, “That’s what my parents did, and I turned out just fine.” “That’s what we do, and she’s still alive.” I don’t want to judge anyone making those statements, but I do want to challenge you to raise your expectations if need be.
I believe that with this parenting thing there is more than one way to skin a cat and still have success, I just want to try to choose the ways that will ensure my child will need the least amount of therapy someday due to my actions. The more I research, the more I realize that we don’t even realize all of the effects that are upon us from the way we were parented, and the same will be true for our children.
How This Blog Will Benefit You
I’m surely not saying that I have all the answers. I get it wrong daily. That’s why I am constantly searching for ideas, and I feel I have found some good answers on the web and in the books that I read. I love research! I love chewing on these parenting topics and bringing them up during coffee and happy hours with my friends.
Now I have decided I want to share what I have found with you. My hope is to be a one-stop-shop for busy parents. I want you to be able to find links to the best articles and research there is to offer without having to spend a lot of your extra time searching for this info. Many of my posts will be a synthesis of all the information I have read on the topic.
Birds of a Feather Flock Together
We have so many questions about raising our children, and one search can easily lead us into a rabbit hole. This time we spend researching how to do best by our children could be quality time spent with our children. I’ve searched for answers online. In the meantime, my kid has already watched 2 or 3 episodes of his favorite show. Then I’m on a guilt trip.
I want to share the information I have found on this blog, and I want to hear from you. If we all come together and share what has worked for us, we could learn in 2 or 3 minutes of reading what could have taken us an hour to search and find. I want us to be efficient with the time we spend looking for the answers for our family. Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. In the TNT Parenting Facebook Group and the comments section, we will have access to other inspiring parents who are positive, mindful, and motivated. This energy will help all of us boldly move forward in our journey and get the results we want.
Peace of Mind
I want this to be a place where us parents and caregivers can come together to read what the “experts” or what research says and form decisions and create visions on what we want for our kids. Not because that’s what the 2 generations before us did, but because that’s what resonates well with our heart. That’s what makes us go, “AHA! That’s what I want my family to be like.” “That’s what I want my child to go away with.”
I know all of your questions won’t be answered here. If this blog gives you more purposeful time with your family than you would have had otherwise, then I feel like it has served its purpose.
Diversity
I know there are many styles of parenting, and people are passionate about their methods. I get that, and I respect that. If this blog stirs something in you that makes you want to read more, I welcome you. I look forward to getting to know you.
Parents can be their best when they look to others to learn and share ideas with. I’m giddy just thinking about the easily accessible learning that will take place.
You Come Back Now You Hear
On this blog, you will find topics on all things parenting. I have felt the need to do a lot of research on many topics so far in my parenting journey. Hence the name This-N-That Parenting. Information that is research-based, professional recommendations, and of course my own recommendations and opinions is the type of information that will be found on post.
Posts will discuss topics that have to do with parents as individuals as well. Some post will be informational, some controversial, and some biographical. As I hear your needs, I am sure I will take interest and get ideas for posts.
There will be tips, quotes, and recommendations on books and products that my family loves. We have great taste!
Again, welcome. I have prayed that this blog would be an answer to parents’ prayers. It’s no accident that you are here!
