When your child is talking about fire trucks for the zillionth time, and you have a dozen other things on your mind, stop, look him in the eye and listen. He will feel significant and loved, two gifts that will stick with him for the rest of his life.
Why does Hollywood market superheroes to 4-year-olds, yet rate superhero movies PG-13?
The most important part of parenting isn't patience, building high self-esteem or even showing love. It's showing your child grace.
When you're all in your pajamas making breakfast, crank up some music and dance with them.
Motherhood: Shared by millions worldwide, yet it takes each of us for a unique and surprising ride.
Children take a lot of time and energy, especially when they are young. But you have to prioritize your marriage before your children. If you don't, you'll be moving out of your house minutes after the kids do.
Each of your children gets a different set of parents. Just make sure each set includes you and your spouse, not external influences.
Love them most during their unlovable moments.
Don't introduce your children to the world. The world will come knocking soon enough.
Becoming a parent, you have to choose who you are and what you believe in. You may think you're sitting on the sidelines figuring it out, but you're not. Indecision is actually a choice that you are passing down to your children.
When your children are young, it seems as if you'll always carry them everywhere, but you won't. Someday they'll grow too big to sit on your lap. If you could know the last time you'd hold your children, you'd squeeze tighter and never want to let go.
If your child is tenderhearted by nature, don't treat it as a flaw; treat it as a gift to be nurtured.
Be silly and laugh with your children every chance you get.
Shasta Clark is a St. Clairsville native who lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, with her husband and two sons. Her e-mail address is clarkshasta@hotmail.com.
