NANA SAYS PARENTING HAS CHANGED OR HAS IT?

Each generation thinks it has reinvented parenting. The latest ideas and techniques are told by new parents. Looking closely not much has really changed. You are the parent and the child is the child. There are house rules and chores and homework. Lessons. Fitting in quality family time has always been a challenge. With both parents working, even more challenging. The use of Nannies has increased. I remember when my children were little many professional women had cleaning ladies and nannies. I did not! So being used to doing all my work in my home along with the children having some duties was necessary. How to speak to children has not changed? New  parents know how to yell just like the generations of parents previously did! Learning not to yell has always been an ongoing struggle for parents. Setting fair limits on any activity. Safety in the home is the same. Don't want the baby falling down the stairs so need gates! Teens must have the talk about sex, drugs and bullying!! In my day don't watch too much TV. In this day and age, get off the gadgets and look around at life. Actually talk to someone rather than texting! Adjusting to change has not changed. The transitions we all face can bring despair, depression and lots of anxiety. Having children talk about their day and their feelings can be like pulling teeth. Learning to talk with children rather than just asking questions can take time and skill. If you want your child to share his/her day, share a little of your day with your children. Know what to share too. If there is a major family crisis, keep the children in the loop at age appropriate levels of information. Many of the same issues have not changed. Picky eaters! Messy rooms! Talking back! Not liking this family! Lots of the same and more. Rather than trying to reinvent parenting, just parent! And yes don't hesitate to use the older generations around you, as they really do get it! So if you turned out okay, your parents and grandparents must have don something right!!