dear future 'parent' self...
Not having any children of my own, I find it strange to give parenting tips - how would I know? Not to mentioned most of us have felt the wrath of a stressed and poorly rested parent who was not in the mood to listen to parenting advice from the free and single. Understandably of course. However I was a child once. And this weekend (for whatever clinically significant reason) I have stumbled across many unpleasant childhood memories that for some weird purpose or lack of resolutions, I am still toting around in an emotional handbag. So here is to writing them down and remembering them when I am a parent. And here is to the parents who will listen to parenting advice from a non-parent. 1. Give your child the initial benefit of the doubt. In word, action, and deed. Sometimes this means trusting them over other kids/adults or even being wrong about your child's actions. Believe the best in your child and ask for their side of the story before you jump on the bandwagon. If your c...