School For Parents by Nicola Poole
Something to ponder…we go to school for a basic education as kids, we go to university to get degrees or to tafe to qualify for a trade, yet where do we go to learn how to parent?!
The obvious answer is we learn how to be a parent from our own parents (how we are parented). That basically means either we learn what to do as a parent, or we learn what not to do. Unfortunately for some of us, it’s the latter. So, if this is the case, we, as parents, are back to the question. Where do we go to learn how to parent?
If the adults of the future are shaped by the children of today, we, as parents, have quite the task to ensure we raise well rounded kids. Our world is far from where it should be when you consider how poorly we treat each other and how poorly we treat our environment.
In order to see the change needed, drastic measures need to be taken. We all need a deeper sense of community, a deeper drive to care and a whole lot more love. When you sit back and ponder what is required to get the world to a better place, you may begin to feel the pressure of parenting.
Think about it! Before we can drive, we need to pass a test, before we can operate heavy machinery, we need to pass a test, and before we work with children, we need to get a working with children check granted.
Parenting is the most important job in the world. It can also be the hardest. Yet it is the most ill equipped job we enter into, with no instruction booklet, no training, not even a test to pass before we take our newborn, very fragile, very vulnerable, baby home.
It is also what we will do for the most hours (even if we work full time) and the job we will do when most fatigued (ever forgotten to test the bottled milk temperature before offering it to your baby?) This triggers the question. Why aren’t there more options to learn how to parent and where can we find reputable parenting teachers?
Sure there are books galore that are often long, dry, contradictory and behind the times. Many parents rely on the school system to teach their kids, which is also flawed. That is why I would recommend seeking out a parenting counsellor or coach to help you on your parenting journey. Even if you think you’re parenting like a pro, chances are there are improvements you can make.
Too many of us repeat the vicious cycle of how we were parented which is putting our world in a holding pattern. We need a change here on our planet and the fastest way that will come, is from within the family unit.
Consider a home that is open and honest, where feelings are allowed to be expressed and acknowledged, even the ugly ones. A home where everyone’s voice is important and able to be heard and where there is no judgment and no fear. Where there are guidelines, boundaries and respect. Where the parents are guiding but equally learning from their children. Where self belief is nurtured and accountability expected. Where freedom of choice is celebrated and the ego is minimal. Where everyone shares their energy and growth is encouraged. Just imagine how great the world would be?
If only we put as much importance on parenting as we do on upskilling in our profession of choice, then the world would be a very, very different place.
With a belief that everything happens for a reason, Nicola trusts that we are given all we need to be able to handle any situation life throws at us. As a qualified Nutritionist, Spiritual counsellor and Parenting coach, Nicola is a devoted mum who values family and commitment. She is committed to providing others the very best possible care in order to achieve true wellness, so that they too can live the life they dream of.
Website: wholisticalignment.com.au
Instagram: @wholistic_alignment