6. Conclusion to Givens of Parenting

Parenting is not an easy job. The givens of parenting as I have outlined can certainly cause us some grief if we allow them to. If we can let go and accept some of these some of the time, the heartache will be lessened.

I ended my talk with the following story from Zig Zigler a motivational speaker and author.

The story is told of a little guy valiantly but futilely trying to move a heavy log to clear a pathway to his favourite hideout. His dad stood nearby and finally asked him why he wasn’t using all his strength. The little guy assured his dad he was straining with all his might. His dad quietly told him he was not using all his strength, because he hadn’t asked him (his dad) to help.

Remember as with the little guy, you can always ask for help. You are not in this alone.

Over the years, I have learned that other parents are facing similar challenges, whether from a toddler or a teen. Our situations are not specific to us and often if we talk about some of the issues we're facing we find others have grappled with virtually the same dilemmas. We might also find that our situation isn't so bad after all.