How We Could Solve Poverty With Expert Parenting Advice

Parents don't get an operators manual along with their new baby.

Which is tragic, really, since they are probably the most complex and difficult items that we ever need to manage. Even more tragic when you realize that parenting is the single most important job in the world - the fate of entire communities, nations and continents depends on the quality of parenting that the children receive.

Most parents get by. Their kids grow up and also get by. They live average lives in average communities, and raise the next generation to do the same.

But is "average" all that we want for our kids and our society?

First, we see our society plagued by problems such as crime, prostitution, homelessness, drug abuse, poverty and broken relationships. In most cases the reason is not hard to find - those tragic adults grew up in tragic homes where "good enough" parenting was sadly lacking. Why? Because, by definition, half of all parents are doing a "below average" job in raising their children. And those children will, most likely, grow up to then do a below average job in raising their children. And so the cycle of depravation goes on.

Suppose, just for a moment, that we could do raise this general standard? Suppose that, before these damaged and deprived children, they could learn some new skills, new ways of understanding the parenting process so that they don't have to just repeat the mistakes of their own parents? Wouldn't that benefit us all in the long run?

Second, in a multi-cultural, complex society we need ever better leaders. Men and women who are "whole" - not bogged down by insecurities, hurts and fears that result in corruption, hidden agendas and selfish ambition. We need leaders, in all areas of society, not just politics, who have a capacity for love, generosity, compassion and tolerance. From where do such qualities come? From growing up in secure, loving, and confident families, that's where.

Third, look to your own family. Look at how you were raised. Most likely your parents did the best they could, yet I am sure you can see areas in which they failed - with resulting hurts and insecurities that have bogged you down for your entire life. You don't want to pass that on to your children, but are you really any better informed about the process of bringing up children than your parents were?

How can you teach and guide your children when all you have is your parent's example to guide you? Unless we take deliberate steps to improve our knowledge and understanding, all we can do is operate out of ignorance and guesswork. Is that good enough for your children and their children? Perhaps it was "good enough" for you as a child, but was it the best it could have been?

So why is it that the idea of getting some training as a parent is so repugnant to most people? Why is there such a social stigma to the idea of admitting that, when it comes to raising kids, we don't know it all?

Are we nuts? Most people who are sensible recognize the need for training for just about any activity in life - indeed, they positively go out of their way to seek more education and more training so as to enhance their skills and, in turn, enhance their lives. Yet when it comes to raising their children they think they can just make it up as they go along?

Most mothers, these days, take ante-natal classes to prepare for the birth of their new baby. Why? Because they want to give their baby the best chance of a safe and successful birth. But that was the easiest part! Far more difficult is knowing what to do with this child for the next 18 years! But no-one seeks preparation and training for that!

Isn't it time that this changed? Isn't it time that we made a more deliberate, and systematic, effort to better equip parents with the parenting skills and advice they need?

So what about yourself? How much effort have you made to learn about child development or the right way to inspire and motivate your own children to greatness? Do you know the right and wrong way to use punishments and rewards? How to correctly teach responsibility? Wouldn't it be worth the investment of a few dollars and a few hours to get some new insights into this?

And how will your children learn good parenting skills? Should they just watch what you do and copy that?

It seems to me that something that crucial for the success of individuals and of society should be systematically taught in school, right alongside the other essentials for life, such as reading, writing and math.

So, next time you watch the news and see yet another tragic shooting, murder, suicide or rape, ask yourself how different it might have been if that person's parents, and grandparents, had had some decent guidance on the challenging task of raising their kids?

Then go out and get yourself a parenting book. Read it and discuss it with your friends. You might be amazed at the insights you get about your children - and even yourself.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

Dr. Noel Swanson offers free expert www.good-child-guide.com/parenting/”>parenting tips & advice on his website - you will also find a free chapter to his highly acclaimed book, the GOOD CHILD Guide. You can also meet with other parents on a www.yesparenting.com/forum/”>parenting forum.
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