A
new year is the traditional time for making resolutions.
Family
Circle Magazine once printed resolutions for parents, and I’m going to repeat
them because they help focus our efforts as the new year begins:
I
will always love my children for who they are — not who I want them to be.
I
will give my child space to grow, to dream, to succeed, and even to fail.
Without that space, no growth can occur.
I
will create a loving home environment, regardless of what effort it takes at a
given time.
When
discipline is necessary, I will let my child know that I disapprove of what he
does, not who he is.
I
will set limits and help my children find security in the knowledge of what is
expected of them. They will not have to guess what is right or wrong.
I
will make time for all my children and cherish our moments together. I will not
burden my children with emotions and problems they are not equipped to deal
with.
I
will encourage my children to experience the world and all its possibilities,
taking pains to leave them careful but not fearful.
I
will try to be the kind of person I want my children to be: loving,
fair-minded, giving, and hopeful.
These
are good resolutions for all of us.
