Kids are kids — they have to go through all sorts of stages and experiences in order to grow up
You’ve seen those parents on the street and in the stores: they’re threatening their child, grabbing him roughly, dragging him along while he screams in protest. “What kind of parent is that?” you wonder. “Hasn’t he/she ever taken a parenting class? That’s no way to treat a precious neshamehla!”
And you go back to the business of parenting your own kids, applying all that you read and hear, nurturing each one with careful, loving attention. All of them till now have been cooperative. You’ve complimented yourself on your brilliant parenting techniques. “If only others would do it my way, they’d also have well-behaved children,” you’ve thought in your heart.
That is, until number eight was born (or whomever) — the child that broke the mold. Nothing you’ve done with the others is working with this one. Your patience, your encouragement, your positive feedback — none of it makes a difference. This child laughs in your face as he hangs from the rafters. Going shopping with him is a nightmare. You’ve become one of “those” parents — if only to save the youngster’s life. Without your firm hand upon him, he’d be running off with some stranger or sitting alone in the middle of the parking lot. You’re tearing the hairs out of your sheitel.
Were you the kind of person who enjoyed amusement park rides? If so, parenting is the job for you! With its ups and downs, sudden curves, dark tunnels, and endless surprises, it offers the “ride” of a lifetime. And, the feeling of being a helpless passenger just adds to the excitement. There’s nothing you can do!
Create a free account to keep reading.
