Your Baby
Nine months later, you bring home your pride and joy. Your creation. You dress your little one in the cutest clothes and plan fun events. When your little one says his first word, you tell anyone who’d listen. You’re a proud parent; no one or nothing can take that away from you. Then, your baby is a grown-up child. And, life changes.
The Pre-Teen Years
Your baby enters the pre-teen years. You no longer have the ability to control your child’s actions. During this period, your child learns things from the outside world and discovers differences. He lets you know when you’re not cool. You feel old. However, you go with the flow.
You’re no longer your child’s world. Your child has his world. He makes friends and enjoys life. Sometimes, you feel left out. But, you understand it’s a part of parenting.
The Teen Years
Depending on the hormone levels and the environment, your teen changes. A simple no may not do the trick. Your teen may challenge you and rebel against you. You’ve entered uncharted territory.
What do you do? Do you seek counseling for you and your child? Or do you consult parenting books for guidance? Maybe, you discuss your situation with other parents or grandparents. Possibly, you do a combination of everything.
Juggling work and parenting become a struggle. Consequently, this leads to stress. You wonder how could that beautiful, sweet baby become a nightmare.
Then, your child yells at you. Respect left the building. You fight the temptation to yell back. However, it happens. A bitter feud begins. Unbelievably, you’re in a battle with your child. Who wins?
Your Grown-Up Child
You’ve accepted your child is no longer a baby. You set boundaries. Your child must accept the conditions or else.
What is the else? The else is no more disrespect. It’s time for a grown-up child to be responsible. Since your child feels grown, then you’ll treat your child as such. No more coddling.
Your responsibility is to teach responsibility. The world isn’t going to put up with his bad behavior. Your child has to understand there are consequences for his actions.
As much as it hurts, you must stand firm. You can’t flip-flop. Show strength. Your child won’t like it, but you’re helping your child more than he’ll ever know.
Hopefully, your child understands and corrects his actions. You might be fortunate to receive an apology. The best reward is a successful grown-up child.
