From the Moment

You are a parent. With this title, comes great responsibility.

Every child is home-schooled. A child's first school is not preschool, or kindergarten, it's their home. Parents are the first, and most important, teachers. From the moment your baby enters this world, you must lead by example. It is the only way to lead. What you do as a parent matters a great deal. What your child learns from you, he or she, will usually apply it to their own life. Lead with love. And wisdom.

Proverbs 22:6

The first five years of a child's life are the most important. Studies show that 90% of a child's brain develops from birth to five years of age. These years have an enormous impact on a child's life. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that you guide your child's steps. Do everything within your power, to ensure that you raise your child to become a happy, healthy, intelligent, and confident individual.

Above all, shower your child with unconditional love. Love can't be substituted with material things, or money. Love is priceless. It is the most important thing that you can give your child. Always be there for your child physically and mentally. Don't be a pal, instead, be a parent. As the Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." As always, God was, and always will be, ahead of man.

**Start Talking! (Abuse, Abduction, Drugs, Strangers, Peer Pressure ...)

Talk to your child, early and often, about abuse. Before the age of 8, more than 20% of children are sexually abused. Some cases go largely unreported. It is vital that children know what abuse is and what they should do if anyone abuses them. Your child must know that they can trust you. You should also trust them. You don't want your child to suffer in silence. This would be devastating for them. Talk to your child about other things, too. Including strangers. For example, teach them what to do if someone tries to abduct them. There are countless things that parents should talk to their child, early and often, about. Empower your child. Replace fear, with confidence.  An empowered child can be a molester's worst nightmare. Talking to your child may also prevent your child from being abused, or abducted. Prevention is key. Knowledge is power. In my book, "Lilla Belle the First Stages," I discuss very important child safety tips.

Discipline

Always be consistent with your rules. Do what you say you are going to do. Establishing and setting rules are very important. Limits and boundaries must be set and adhered to. It will teach your child, self-control. Don't just tell your child what the rules are, always let them know why the rules are in place. Do not abuse your child, mentally, verbally, or physically. Always treat your child with respect. We must give respect to get respect.

Role Models

Contrary to some beliefs, a child's role models are not celebrities. Parents are role models. No one has a greater impact than you. It is not the responsibility of celebrities, the Internet, or the media, to raise your child. It is your responsibility. 100%.

Divorce

Over 50% of marriages end in divorce. However, if you are a parent, you can never divorce your child. A child needs both of their parents. Child support checks do not take the place of being a parent. Your responsibility as a parent does not end, if the marriage ends.

Being a parent isn't easy, yet, it can be very rewarding!

**In order for our children to become healthy adults, we must raise healthy children! 

From the Moment

From the moment that I became a mother, I vowed to teach her, guide her, and love her.

From the moment I held her in my arms, I knew I would meet death, before I let her meet harm.

From the moment I looked into her eyes, I beamed with pride, they looked just like mine.

From the moment she spoke her very first word, it was the most beautiful voice I had ever heard.

From the moment that she took her first step, overwhelmed with joy, I cheered and wept.

From the moment I saw her watching me, I led by example, by showing her, how she should be.

From the moment I saw her married, with children of her own, I couldn't believe it!

Where had all the years gone?

From the moment I saw that healthy lady, I thanked God that I raised, that healthy baby!