I have found that it is quite an easy task for us to whip out our soap boxes and dictate to others what is indeed right. We are often not at a loss for words when we take the decision to spout what the ideals are or ought to be. We do this with no empathy for the journeys that many of our fellowmen or in this case fellow parents have traveled and are traveling. We do this with no concern of how our words or our actions may impact those parents or families who for whatever reason or circumstance have \u201cfailed\u201d to live up to what \u201csociety\u201d may consider \u201cthe ideal.\u201d<\/p>\n
As someone who has spent most of her life working with and advocating for the rights of children, it is my view that the best environment for a child is one where there is an abundance of love and acceptance of for that child and his or her development. This is my view. I am aware of the statistics. And whenever they are quoted, I can\u2019t help but ask questions such as the following. \u201cAre you telling me, that a child who isn\u2019t raised in the \u2018ideal familial structure\u2019 cannot succeed, if he or she is raised in an environment which fosters the same attributes as the \u201cideal familial structure? Are you telling me that this child does not have a chance? Is this the message you are trying to communicate?\u201d<\/p>\n
The message parents need to hear from society is, \u201cSue or Ann girl, go for it. You have got this! You have got this! Try your best! You have got this!\u201d They don\u2019t need a diatribe of what they should have or should not have done. Don\u2019t you think that they know their lives or their journeys? Don\u2019t you think that many have spent time in reflection? Don\u2019t you think that they are trying their absolute best? As my aunt used to say, \u201cWho make you God, parson, priest, judge, principal, executioner or king?\u201d<\/p>\n
We live in a region where many families do not fit the ideal. Let me state that by no stretch of the rod am I or will I ever advocate that the West Indian should not strive for the \u201cideal familial structure.\u201d Let me state that by no stretch of the rod will I ever advocate for fatherless children. However what I am advocating is that as a people we realize where we are and that we deal with the reality and stop harping on the \u201cideal.\u201d I say strive for the \u201cideal\u201d but in the process let us work together. Let us build each other up. Let us offer support and encouragement instead of casting judgment or chastising each other.<\/p>\n
The journey of parenting is not an easy one, by no stretch of the mile. It is not. Many parents require support and I am not talking about financial support but even a listening ear. As a parent, I take issue with people who constantly dictate what is right. I don\u2019t want to hear what is right, share with me, and provide advice on how my journey as a parent, regardless of my circumstance or familial structure, can be made much easier and a whole lot brighter. This is what parents require, not just West Indian parents but all parents.<\/p>\n
There are so many parents, so many single parents who are doing their absolute best to raise their children and I mean their absolute best. They are aware of the statistics. They are aware of their familial structure or makeup. They are very much aware. However we have to realize that they are doing their best. They don\u2019t need constant negative reminders. What they need is encouragement and support. This is what they need.<\/p>\n
To each and every parent who is doing his or her best, drown out the noise and negativity. Brace yourself, and go for it. Give it your best. You have got this. At this point, it doesn\u2019t matter where or how you have started your parenting journey, or that your family may not fit what some may consider the \u201cideal societal familial model.\u201d You are a family. You are a parent that is signed and sealed. It is a done deal. You have a job to do, so equip yourself. Don\u2019t be dissuaded by the statistics. Have the confidence that you can do this, because you can. Your child is no less than anyone else\u2019s child and your family is no less than anyone else\u2019s family. Do your best. Give it your all. Love your children because love conquers all. It was Nelson Mandela who said, \u201cEveryone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.\u201d Be passionate about parenting. You will rise above it all.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithin you is the power to rise above any situation or struggle and transform into the brightest, strongest version of you ever.\u201d Unknown<\/p>\n
Words of Wisdom for Your Child<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t want anyone to find out, don\u2019t do it.\u201d Chinese Proverb Inspirational Parenting Quotes from Robert Brault<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes to be a good parent you have to sacrifice, but this is not a requirement of parenting, it is a requirement of being good at something.<\/p>\n Do not ask your kids to live up to your expectations. Let your kids be who they are, and your expectations will be in breathless pursuits.<\/p>\n You will find that if you really try to be a father, your child will meet you halfway.<\/p>\n A child seldom needs a good talking to as much as a good listening to.<\/p>\n There is an instinct in a woman to love her child, and an instinct to make any child who needs her love, her own.<\/p>\n Recommended Reading for Children March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris illustrated by London Ladd<\/p>\n Peace One Day. The Making of World Peace Day by Jeremy Gilley and Karen Blessen<\/p>\n John Henry by Julius Lester pictures by Jerry Pinkney<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I have found that it is quite an easy task for us to whip out our soap boxes and dictate to others what is indeed right. We are often not at a loss for words when we take the decision to spout what the ideals are or ought to be. We do this with no […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":557,"featured_media":38401,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4,147],"tags":[4898],"yoast_head":"\n
\n\u201cKnowing what\u2019s right does not mean much unless you are doing what\u2019s right.\u201d Franklin Roosevelt
\n\u201cWhat\u2019s right is not always popular and what\u2019s popular is not always right.\u201d Albert Einstein<\/p>\n
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