Thoughts on Parenting

Getting ready to become a parent has the actual idea of "parenting" on my mind quite a bit.

A few weeks ago, Brant and I were having breakfast together and he made a comment that our children were never going to watch the Disney channel. I looked at him in disbelief for a few minutes, and then asked him about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse :)! Mickey Mouse was fine, he said, but his comment was geared toward the teenage shows like "High School Musical," "Suite Life," "That's So Raven" and other shows like that. His reasoning was because he feels that there are typically one or two characters on these shows who have an attitude and show disrespect toward adults. He said that he didn't want his children watching shows that portrayed disrespect, especially toward an elder, as being acceptable. I had to agree with my husband on this matter, but we still had an interesting conversation about it. I have always been a firm believer that it is the parents' responsibility to monitor what their children watch - whether its the Disney Channel or CNN. Its a thing called "parenting" - being responsible for what your children see!

This morning I was listening to the radio on the way to work and they were discussing the proposed sin tax on sodas and energy drinks. I'm not sure if this is a national or state tax, but I know it is being discussed here in Texas. The proposal is to tax 1 cent per ounce on all sodas and energy beverages in hopes to help fight obesity - mainly childhood obesity. Personally - I oppose the tax. Why - because again - I believe it goes back to parenting. It is the parents' responsibility to monitor the eating habits of their children and help correct a problem if they see one arise. If you don't want your children to be hooked on sodas, then don't keep them in your home. If you want your children to eat more healthy snacks, then provide them! Take the cookies, candy and ice cream out! It's a thing called "parenting" - being responsible for what your children eat!

Parenting is being responsible - responsible for what your children see, eat, say, do and understand. If your child hits someone, don't just ignore it - parent them. If your child is disrespectful, don't accept it - parent them. Parenting is taking on the responsibility of raising your children and not relying on society to do it for you.

I'm sorry if its seems like I'm ranting today - these are just things that have really been on my heart and mind lately. Brant and I have been in constant prayer lately that God guide us daily in parenting our child. We know that we are the ones responsible for her life and how she is raised, but we also know that we cannot raise her without His help.