An Introduction to Skillful Parenting

    Well, I am so excited! I have been meaning to start a blog for quite some time and I am finally HERE!  As most humans, I have been afraid to put myself out there. But I am confident that I have plenty of information to share about raising great children. I have had many years of experience with many different parents and children. 
     I started babysitting when I was ten years old, yes, believe it or not, ten. My mom was right next door when I went on my first babysitting job. I was to sit for an adorable two year old named Tommy, while he napped. But that was not what I thought babysitting should be so as soon as his mom pulled out of the drive, I woke him up so we could play. All went well, and I babysat for him many times after that day.  I have always loved children, I pictured myself raising a family of seven. As an adult and mom of two, I can not in my wildest imagination see myself leaving a two year old with a ten year old babysitter. 
     By the time I finished my sophomore year of high school, I counted up 43 different families that I had babysat. Sometimes only once but many were regular customers. There were some houses that I walked into and wanted to walk right back out. It was like walking into "Damien, Omen II" or "The Exorcist." Luckily, I was in high demand and was therefore able to choose whom I wanted to babysit. Several had three or four children and some kids were fewer than four years younger than myself. I was very lucky, not many ever became injured or ill while in my care. 
     I witnessed many different parenting choices and some adults that chose not to parent at all. A kind of an out of sight, out of mind attitude. But all in all, like many life lessons, it gave me choices on how I would choose to parent. I saw many techniques that worked and many that did not.
     My first and most influential teacher of course, was my mom. She knew how to teach children to be responsible, respectful, caring, thoughtful, trustworthy, and well mannered. I have five siblings and we all have these qualities. We were raised with rules but we also had a lot of fun! My mom was a real character. I miss her very much. She was an excellent example on how to raise great kids!
     There is literally no greater gift in this entire world than a child! Children are worthy of infinite love, time and can be one's greatest achievement. But raising a wonderful child with all of the qualities to be a giving, productive person in our world, requires effort. Children are not meant to raise themselves. It is the job, the commitment, the love and devotion of the parent that will have the most effect on their child's outcome. Whether good or bad!
     My intention of this blog is to share skillful parenting information. Sometimes, I hope to cause laughter and I may cause tears. Most importantly I want to share information that will help make better family moments.