Dear Editor, on Parenting
My life changed forever 2½years ago when I became a parent for the first time. No amount of talking to family or friends or reading countless books on parenting prepared me for the experience of childbirth and then the day to day events of raising a child. I fortunately was one of the lucky ones who felt an instant bond, love so great I sometimes feel I am going to burst.
Being a parent is the hardest job I have ever and will ever have but it offers the greatest rewards. I believe many people in our society feel the same way, yet we don’t offer education or any formal training for this very important role. We study for years as children and young adults to read, write, add and work towards a career but we are not educated or taught about parenting.
We are given the experience of our parents, other family members and friends to use as our guide. What if they get it wrong how do we know we are getting it right?
In today’s world we have community service groups to help us out. When in doubt ask your family, if they don’t know seek professional advice – What if they get it wrong?
The majority of parents in our community would have within them a natural instinct to protect their child at all cost from any signs of danger. My husband and I are constantly looking out for our child’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
I don’t know the answers to all the parenting questions and will never say or think I do. I know that I love my child very much and that if there is ever the slightest doubt in my mind their safety and wellbeing is in jeopardy I will take the necessary action to remove them from the situation – Tell me of any good parent who wouldn’t do the same!
I needed some guidance in my parenting role and asked for professional advice and guidance – I followed their instructions and unfortunately through their lack of understanding and care of our community they have let us all down.
I may not have lived in this community for 38yrs and I may not have any family history here but I am a member of this society and of the human race, it is my belief that the care of a child, all of our children is all of our responsibility!
Name supplied but withheld from Publication
Dayboro
