Since class this morning, I have had many debates in my thoughts as to what makes good parenting. When doing the activity I picked my answers based on what I would do if I were a parent. After hearing other classmates' arguments as to why they chose the answers they did, I was left questioning my answers. This article discusses ten parenting practices that lead to the best predictable outcomes. None of them necessarily contradict my personal beliefs, but they are "best possible scenario" guidelines a lot more than actual realistic ideals. It also made me sad because many of them may be unattainable for a teen mother. They are getting enough backlash from society for the fact that they are teen mothers, they don't need scientific articles also saying the best they can do is not good enough. Numbers 3, 6, and 8 especially struck me as extra hard for teen mothers to obtain. Have you been thinking about what makes good parenting since class? What are your reactions to the activity when reflecting on it? Which, if any, of these strike you as hard for yourself or teen parents?
-Megan A.
I also left class yesterday thinking about what makes a parent a "good" parent. In my opinion, a good parent is someone that always puts their child first. I also aware that parents are not perfect and are likely to mess up time to time. Though I did not agree with some of the responses in class, I was understanding because everyone has their own view of "good" parenting and I am not a parent myself. I have my opinions and beliefs now, but I know that they will most likely change when I have a child of my own. Its hard to judge and form a opinion on a subject without actually experiencing it. I think that all of the ten parent practices are hard; not just for teen parents, but for all parents. I think all theses practices are extra hard for teen parents because not only are they facing society stigmas but they are also facing personal challenges of their own.
ReplyDelete-Mary Kate
I agree with Mary Kate, I think to be considered a good parent, your child should be your number one priority. There is such an issue of teens not being experienced with life and the money, but that's obvious. The parents aim to do the best they can in each situation and I think that is what truly makes a "good" parent. From what Megan said 3, 6, and 8 being important, I also believe number 2 is important as well, with being a teen mother there will be many many issues that you have to learn to deal with.
ReplyDelete~Sarah J.
I think these are all good "ideal"things to teach your children. But like Megan said these some of these are particularly hard especially for teen moms. And being a teen mom itself is not an ideal situation. We have learned this through lectures and readings. While all teens wouldn't take their children back or not "regret" their child, many of them wish they would have waited to become parents.
ReplyDelete- Nicole A.
I agree with Megan and Nicole. I'm not a teen parent myself, but I have friends that are and I have witnessed how difficult it is being a teen parent. I think that all teen parents want to be the best parents that they can to their children, but many would not meet the criteria for being a "good" parent as described in the article. Though I agree that these things are helpful to being the best parent you can be, I think that some things aren't completely obtainable for teen parents, especially numbers 2,3,6, and 8 like the other commentators said. I also think that the criteria for being a "good" changes depending on who you're talking to so it's difficult to gauge whether someone has an acceptable parenting technique.
ReplyDelete