Remember, Remember: Teach her.....

Last week when I was talking with Peter, he said for so long his main concern was, having the opportunity to be a parent, now that the opportunity is just around the corner, his concerns have shifted on how to be a good parent.

So here is my take on parenting. It is the hardest, most exhausting, challenging, most humorous, educational, exciting, exceptional, humbling, hopeful experience in my life. "It is the best of times, it is the worst of times". Note: If you are not tired, amused, confused and laughing everyday of parenthood, you are not doing it right, it probably means you have checked out a bit. So re-engage and get used to the bewilderment you should be experiencing daily!)

Here are fourteen hints to navigate the parenting journey (Full disclosure: I did my very best as a mom. I can honestly say I was never purposefully lazy, hurtful, neglectful or mean. Yet in my clumsiness of learning to parent I know I made lots of mistakes!)

1. Keep her near those who love her the most. They will influence her to know she is valued.

Aug 31, 1989 Mom loves Peter

Aug 31, 1989 Uncle Kevin, Dad, Papa McQuade and Great Uncle Glen love Peter

Aug 31, 1989 Mimi loves Peter

Aug 31, 1989 Drew, Christie, mom and dad love Peter

Christmas 1990 Grandmother loves Peter

Christmas 1990 Papa Barnes love Peter

July 17, 1990 Great Papa Barnes loves Peter

2. Encourage her explore nature.

Fall 1990 at the Fair

Nov 1995 Panama City Peter spies a lizard

May 1990 Peter with Mom learning about Ocean

June 1992 Peter getting a good look at the Tetons

Jan 1992 Peter learning about bunnies

3. Spend your time helping her develop talents and accomplishing great things.

July 17, 1991 Learning to Build Blocks

September 2000 Peter at BSA Court of Honor

4. Teach her to be a good friend and to have good friends.

October 2001 Fishing in Panama City with Good Friends

5. Teach her to turn to God (repent). Teach her repenting is hard, but worth the effort! (Next few pictures are symbolic--life is hard, we mistakes which is messy, getting "clean is hard and difficult, but so worth the effort when we become "new" again)

September 1991 Peter is in a mess

December 1992 Peter is in another mess

Aug 1 1989 It wasn't much fun, but Peter is all "clean" and "new" again

6. Teach her family(especially siblings) are some of the best teachers, even if sometimes they have the worst teaching methods.

Dec 1989 Learning to give comfort

July 1999 teaching how to climb trees

May 30, 1994 Learning how to go real high

July 2000 learning how to mend a baby bird

Oct 1991 Learning how to roast a marshmallow

7. Teach her to pretend--it is how we see our dreams come to reality.

October 31, 1991 Superhero!

8. Teach her to take care of her body(enough sleep, eat good food, fun exercise)

1992 Peter needed a nap right there on the front porch

Dec 25, 2001 Yummy Christmas food

Nov 1999 Peter playing soccer

9. Teach her to be adventurous.

2004 Peter at Sliding Rock

10. Make some traditions for her to hold on to.

February 14, 1993 Big Valentine cookies

11. Teach her to forgive others (and herself). Peter, this day is one of my biggest regrets as a mom, I feel so bad and hope you have forgiven my lack of judgement this day!