Purpose of parenting

Out of all the different things I have learned about the purposes of parenting, I have found that it is the biggest learning opportunity for the parents. It's an incredibly humbling experience for parents to learn through their children as they teach and guide them. Some of the different ways parenting teaches the parents themselves is the ability to love more, gives purpose, opportunities to grow or develop, and motivation. According to Popkins, in order to receive the behavior you want out of a child you must first focus on the needs of that child. When you do this then you will get the behavior you want, however, each child is different which means there will be different needs that need to be met. The first few needs that are most important to a child is contact and belonging followed by power. Contact and belonging means to provide contact freely to your children and belonging means to offer contribution so that they feel they have a sense of belonging. An example might be that you give children chores to participate in feeling like you have a part in keeping the house clean. Also try to do chores with them so that they have an opportunity to talk with you and become closer to one another. As for the idea of power, give the child options and this will give them the sense that they have power to make decisions. Let your kids have several opportunities to choose for themselves but there is also a balance to this. If the decision involves danger, or if it's too far in the future and if it affects other people negatively. I would like to end with my own personal experiences with my parents and what I have learned. I have had parents that have throughout my life given me freedom, opportunity and protection. Three things that I believe to be so important when having children, my parents have taught me the importance of humility and forgiveness. Two things that I hold very close to my heart and has molded me into the person I am today. I am so thankful that I grew up with parents that have been in my life and impacted it in such a positive way.