Parenting in tough economic times

In light of the disastrous economy, I felt compelled to write this particular blog entry. If you read the parenting magazines or how-to books, you will always come across an article about what it means to be a parent.

They give tips to first-time fathers and mothers, what to expect, what to fear. Usually the articles focus on diaper changing, losing sleep, potty training, getting your child in the best preschool, covering all of the bases of parenting. There often are product suggestions of some of the most expensive baby gear
that most average working parents couldn't dream of affording. What articles I would love to see now, are ones focusing on being a great parent while struggling with this economy. Trying to juggle paying bills with keeping your children in all of the activities they want to be a part of. The amount of sacrifice that normally occurs for parents is tripled during these times.

On one hand, you don't want your children taking on too much information, they are just kids. However, the reality that you may not be able to accomplish everything for them is devastating for a parent, especially if you have raised loving, apprciative kids who you feel deserve everything.

Parenting is not meant for everyone and it is during these times when it shows the most. Great parents will sacrifice to levels unknown during these times, just so they can see that smile on their child's face. These are the times to remind your children of the most important things in life, their family, their good health, the little moments in life that make you laugh and cry.

As hard as these times are, I do appreciate my family. My parents raised me with great values that are really coming in handy now, and I have great respect for my husband for all of the juggling he does to keep those smiles on our kids' faces. Truly good parents don't have to rely solely on money to make their children happy. Things like giving up your time to play catch in the yard, or just sitting and listening to your children babble or sing for hours. Making memories of every little thing you do, whether you think it is a big deal or not. These are things that my husband and I take for granted because it is part of our being. Not every child receives that kind of time and sacrifice.

For some parents, it is easier just to buy something or give your child money to do their own thing. For some, giving up their personal time is too much. That is a sacrifice not all parents are willing to make. To some parents who are all about time, but feel inadequate because they cannot give as much money, this is to tell you how fortunate your children are. In a perfect world, it would be awesome to have both.

However, for a child, the things they will carry with them will ultimately be how much time they got to spend with their mommy or daddy. The times that their parents may have been ill or sad, but kept it to themselves so their kids could have fun. For parents who have to work, there is still time to make memories. I think it is more about the quality of the time spent with your children. It just really hits home during these times because as parents, the level of sacrifice becomes greater, and only the strong survive. These are times where the sacrifice may be too much, and some parents fold or are just too plain selfish to sacrifice what is necessary.

Bless all of you parents out there who feel as my husband and I do, that there is no sacrifice too great when it is for your children. Just something to think during these hard times, and I really hope families who are struggling with job loss and fear and sadness don't feel like they are alone or worthless. Ultimately, it is the exact opposite.