I may be accused of speaking from a place of hurt but hear me out. You might be a mother or a father but not a parent. A parent raises a child, rears it, takes care of it, a mother gives birth and a father sires. So many people think that just because they brought life to this world automatically they become parents but that’s not true.
Parent is a verb.
It’s an action word. Actively working to raise your child. It’s not just being but also doing. It’s waking up earlier to prepare breakfast for your kids so when they wake up it’s ready. Well, for me anyway, my son complained I prepare their breakfast too late.
Parent is a choice.
It’s choosing to be present in your child’s life. Taking your time to listen, play and teach them. It’s a decision you make to love and care for those young ones, sometimes whether you sired them or not.
Parent is work.
Think of it like a job, being on time, honoring your commitment and fulfilling all your duties. A parent satisfies the requirements needed by the child, educates, comforts, builds up, caters to their health. Pretty much provides physical, mental and spiritual needs of the child.
Parent is growth.
It’s learning and unlearning, reading and finding out how best to raise your child. You grow in parenthood. Teach yourself things fundamental in your caring for your children, listen to other parents, share your own experience. It is a journey.
A parent is a mother, father, guardian working, growing, learning and choosing to actively raise and care for their children physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually each and every day.
A parent is made.
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This post was previously published on A Parent Is Born.
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