what you are learning about the truth of the matter.
When you analyze myths and replace them with your own truth, it
can help you to approach parenting in a more honest, uncluttered,
and enjoyable way.
Planning Ahead,
Looking Ahead
Your Child as a Teenager
Irecently lectured at a conference for childbirth educators. The
theme was “Preparing Expectant Parents for the Realities of Life
with Baby.” The organizers told me that the theme was chosen
because one of the most common challenges educators report is
that parents put a great deal more time and energy into deco-
rating the nursery and buying baby clothes than into thinking
about what life with their baby will really be like. Consequently,
the most common complaints that new parents have are: “I didn’t
know what to expect!” “No one ever told me raising a baby would
be so hard!” “I feel clumsy, confused, and inadequate.” The reality
of life with a new baby shines a beacon on the fact that the color
of the nursery walls and the number of cute outfi ts in the dresser
have nothing whatsoever to do with how confi dent, capable, or
prepared a fi rst-time parent is in his or her new role.
It is the same manner of thinking that causes many parents of
young children to believe that it’s much too early to be thinking
ahead to when their children are teens—or even sixth graders.
Here is a time when my personal experience as a mother allows me
an inspired understanding. My youngest child is a kindergartener.
My older three children are teenagers—my oldest just beginning
college. This blend of ages is a blessing in my work as a parenting
educator—I can see both ends of the parenting spectrum.
Just as childbirth educators believe that understanding baby care
before the baby comes home gives parents the knowledge for coping with the challenges they meet after the baby comes, I believe that 17
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18
The Foundation for No-Cry Discipline
looking ahead to the time when your child will be a young adult
will provide you with tremendous guidance and insight as you raise
your young child today. Give yourself an opportunity to look to
the future for a bit of emotional time travel, and, before that future arrives, ask yourself, What would I have done differently?
As a mother of an eighteen-year-old just off to college and two
other teenagers who are soon on their way plus a six-year-old son
with whom I’m immersed in daily life, I have asked myself these
questions: What would I have done differently with my older three
children? What will I do differently with my youngest? How might I
approach parenting if another baby were to enter my life? Putting aside any trivial issues (for instance, I would have created a shoe cubby
much sooner), this book allows me to share my most important
realizations and lessons with you.
Looking Ahead, Then Looking Back:
What Would You Have Done Differently
That You Can Change Now?
Luckily, I am able to see with open eyes, make corrections, and
use what I have learned as I continue to raise my children. And,
even more, I’m able to share these thoughts with you. Of course,
not every parent has the same goals, values, or personality that I
do. And each of you will create your own list, in time. However,
what’s most important right now is to simply take the time to envi-
sion your child as a young adult. Capture the most important traits
and values you hope to see in that beautiful person as well as the
relationship you will have with that incredible human being.
Use your vision to guide you as you make the most important
decisions in your daily life. This is an ongoing process that requires
updating from time to time, but by keeping one eye on the future
you will make better decisions today.
Planning Ahead, Looking Ahead: Your Child as a Teenager
19
How Today’s Actions Will Affect Your
Future Teenager
We
The Gryphons' Dream: Soul Linked#5