The Parenting Experience

I was sitting in a 1959, Illinois State University 'sociology class' called THE FAMILY when the professor began speaking about the pending death of our parents. One comment he made was on the heels of this question: "Which parent is the most difficult to lose to death?" After a few students made various cases, the professor said, "It's the last parent that dies because that death terminates the 'parent-child-relationship." And so it does!

My wife, Gerry and I began our own parenting journey on August 29, 1961. First born son, Steve was followed by first daughter, Dawn in 1965 and last daughter, Pamela in 1968. Our adult children are all married with families of their own. Certainly, my wife and I still do that parenting thing but perhaps more so, we engage with our kids through the grand-parenting and great grand-parenting roles.

I recall many PARENTING LESSONS, which may ring familiar to some readers and serve as a road map for other readers:

 1. The inventor of the pacifier should have his bust added to the iconic Mount Rushmore.
 2. Never lean over a naked infant boy while changing a diaper.
 3. When holding its breath during a temper-tantrum, a child in a high chair will cease that activity  forever after tossing a cup of water into his face. Go ahead a report me to DCF; it worked!
 4. Adult children don't particularly like unsolicited parenting advice. This is a disposition which I have frequently ignored. My reasoning is simple: Once you invite me into a 'conversation,' I view my status as a Charter Member.
 5. If you struggle with 'poop' diapers at or near meal times, you will lose weight.
 6. Speaking of diapers, when no longer used on a child don't throw away. They make great dust rags.
 7. It takes awhile for a teenager to not be hurt by the answer to the question: "Don't you trust me?"
 8. An adolescent can get the impression that parents love them more than each other. Don't allow it!
 9. Teens can develop the misconception that the room they sleep-in really belongs to them.
10. The 'used' Roadmaster bike a parent got for Christmas will be rejected by your adolescent.
11. Understanding the extent and complications of Christmas toys' assembly is paramount before purchase. Also, knowledge of batteries' size and number.
12. Your teenager is convinced you are  clueless in matters of biological drives and computers...They are correct on one matter.
13. Regarding communication with a child, a parent would be wise to embrace Matthew 5:37...
      "Let your YES be YES and you NO be NO."
14. The most exhilarating feeling a man will ever experience is that moment the Doctor delivering your child says, "Your baby and wife are doing just fine."
15. The best parenting gift to a child is a testimony of the need for a relationship with Jesus-Christ.
16. Finally, the thing I miss the most about parenting was when my child was no longer tucked into bed sleeping in the next room.
(Touch)
Parent 'Rap.'