Parenting - A Journey From Chaos To Success - Parenting, #1

I wanted to write some books about parenting - such a complex subject! (What was I thinking??!!)The one thing that immediately springs to mind is that we're not actually TAUGHT how to parent. For the most part, our learning about parenting comes from the example set by our own parents, and from observing the relationships of our extended family and friends, or other acquaintances, as they go about their daily lives.
Most of what we see as we're growing up is taken for granted; it's "matter-of-fact" and no big deal - until it is!Very few of us actually make a decision to pick up a book on parenting BEFORE we become a parent! SOME of us will go looking for a parenting book - or seek help with parenting - AFTER we find ourselves floundering and not knowing what to do or just where to find that seemingly elusive "right" parenting path.
And sadly, many of us never seek help when we find ourselves drowning in a sea of uncertainty; self doubt; and even anger. So what is "normal" and what is not? What is "acceptable" and what it not?I wish to stress that this first book will nowhere near cover every aspect of parenting. To do that one would need to write about 50 books and STILL have aspects that haven't been touched on or addressed.
I would also like to stress that this book is based on MY OBSERVATIONS; MY EXPERIENCES; MY OPINIONS; and therefore are MY CONCLUSIONS! You may or may not agree with me, and of course, that is fine. It is NOT to be seen as any kind of "parenting Bible" - more one person's take on some ideas that could help you along the way in your own parenting journey. I am in no way a parenting expert! I consider myself to be a pretty ordinary mum, and it is other "ordinary" mums and dads that I want to reach out to here.
I have helped to raise 8 children, all now adults, all with their own families now. I have two natural children (a son and a daughter); two stepdaughters and one stepson; and three foster children (two foster daughters and one foster son). There are literally hundreds of books written on parenting. Some are written by people with a string of letters after their names - degrees in different aspects of human psychology.
These authors have spent years studying in order to eventually write about their conclusions as a result of that study. Their books will undoubtedly make valuable reading - and you should indeed read some of them (do an internet search)). But! In MY opinion, the writings of ordinary, everyday mums and/or dads who've chosen to put pen to paper on their experiences, observations, and conclusions as a parent should NOT be overlooked or devalued! We all have something valuable and valid to offer, and heaven forbid that we should all have the same ideas and opinions on what to do as a parent.
I do have a Diploma in Human Psychology - that's a whole lot less impressive than a degree - but I was too busy helping to bring up a bunch of kids to be able to find the time to commit to studying for a degree! Lol! I think I EARNED a degree in just bringing up 8 kids - let alone actually going off to study for a "real" degree in a real bricks and mortar university!As I've already said - this is MY take on parenting.
Take from it what you will, and I trust that you will find some useful tips and observations that you can use in your own journey as a parent. The chapters are short and to the point, and you will be able to apply most of what you learn here to the very many aspects of parenting that you're bound to encounter. Lastly, I've added a touch of humour here and there that I hope you'll get a wee laugh out of.
Enjoy. Ellyn Philips