We all came from a parent and some people have foster, adoptive, and step -parents.
All the interactions that I have had with other parents lay emphasis on the fact that parenting is not a game or sport that comes with a one-size fit all manual.
Before I became a parent, I had absolutely no concrete idea what it would involve. Beyond imagining my cute babies in diapers, with ribbons in her hair or boys in baby blues, reading lots of motherhood literature, it’s been a case of trying, to the best of my ability and not losing my marbles while at it 🙂
As a matter of fact, it’s the hardest responsibility with far-reaching results that I have ever had to take on and you very well can’t resign from it. You are on duty 24/7 for the rest of your life even when they are old and have flown the coop and now it makes me appreciate my parents so much more.
I remember almost driving myself bonkers reading all The Dr. James Dobson Parenting Collection books that I could find until I realized that yes indeed, the books are very good guides and insights, but the books didn’t know me, my background, nor my child. So, a whole lot also had to be uniquely experienced.
A parents duty as a custodian of these young ones involves imparting the right values, a sense of well-being a wholesome identity, attitude and an endless list of scenarios to work with.
Leaving a legacy for generations after is no piece of cake. The wrong path can cause a whole lot of damage to a child and alienate them. We learn to balance love and discipline, to apply authority and gain their confidence without being oppressive.
In my opinion, the act of procreation is not sufficient to make one a parent. As a matter of fact, in some instances, procreation simply makes the person a biological vessel that brought the child to being because I’ve seen instances where I question how some humans treat the child/children who have been bestowed on to them.
My greatest fear as a mother is failing in my duty to raise upstanding, responsible children who will be a positive testimony to their generation.
Apparently, without over-stressing it, raising children requires lots of grace and wise counsel from above.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
Apparently a parent, SoCS
Below is my first Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.
When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.
Dance to your heart’s delight my African child, until echoes of your stamping feet, beating heart; bright eyes, smiling lips; and waving hands, resonates over and over like thunder claps, reverberating throughout the Universe.
Just dance.
Spot on! Happy Mother’s Day 😘
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Thank you Momma. Happy Mother’s Day to you too. May your loved one’s lavish you with well deserved attention 🙂
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And knowing you, my guess is that your children are well-balanced, well behaved, loving, thoughtful, gentle, kind and full of grace! Happy Mother’s Day Jackie!! (I am not a parent, but do appreciate the great responsibility that is involved with being one) 🙂 xo
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Aww! What a beautiful thing to say Deb. I am trying and hopefully they will turn into good humans 🙂
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I have every confidence they will!! 😊
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Happy Mothers Day, dear friend, parenting is a never-ending delightfully frustrating and rewarding experience. And we love it!
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Absolutely true Diane. We remain parents as long as we live and I won’t exchange it for anything 🙂
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Happy mothers day – take the time to have a piece of cake for yourself 🙂
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I sure will Daisy. Thank you dear 🙂
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Awesome post 😀 Happy Mother’s Day Jacqueline!
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Thank you my dear. Have a great day today 🙂
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You completely hit the nail on the head with this one. If one is doing the best that they can…and not in a lackluster way…then that makes you a good parent. I hate judging other parents, cuz parenthood is not easy for anyone….but I can’t help but shake my head and worry about the future generation just based solely off of my interaction with some parents. It’s mind blowing sometimes.
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You are right Lady T. I hate to judge, but seriously, if truth be told, some humans shouldn’t be parents! They just destroy the lives of those in their care and yes it’s does call for worry.
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No doubt! Parenthood naturally tests ALL your limits!
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It pushes your buttons beyond your imagination.
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