The Rewards & Responsibilities Parenting as a Career The Rewards & Responsibilities

Requirements Commitment (24 hour job tending to their needs) Preparation (Educate self on parenting and child development) Responsibility Flexibility Nurturing nature

Nurturing Nature Loving care & attention Communicate with babies with tone of voice, facial expression, and sense of touch Unconditional love throughout life Correct misbehavior Encourage child to do his/her best Teach self-discipline so he/she knows what is right & wrong and consequences

Rewards of Parenting Watch child develop physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially Experience contentment when rocking baby Happy when called “mama” or “dada” Feel pride when child learns to ride bike, read a book, Experience constant adventure with family projects, trips, special occasions

Responsibilities of Parenthood Emotionally and financially ready to be a parent Love child unconditionally Provide sense of security to develop child’s self-confidence

Responsibilities of Parenthood Give child love, time, energy, $$ Fulfill child’s physical needs (shelter, food, clothing, medical care)

Responsibilities of Parenthood Fulfill child’s emotional needs by giving loving care and attention * Fulfill child’s emotional needs by offering moral support

Responsibilities of Parenthood Fulfill child’s intellectual needs with stimulating play experiences, useful “teachable moments” (teach on spur-of-the-moment).

Responsibilities of Parenthood Provide for social opportunities to interact with other people

Responsibilities of Parenthood Teach child about own heritage and culture Teach family traditions for food choices, clothing styles, spiritual expressions

Responsibilities of Parenthood Promote character formation Teach by example Teach what’s right/wrong Teach honesty, loyalty, tolerance, respect, good communication Teach how to take of self

Myths about Parenthood Parenting skills are instinctive. (Some have a natural ability, but others need to learn skills.) Parenting is only fun. (It’s challenging, boring, frustrating, satisfying, fun, and rewarding.) Children are cute & sweet. (They’re fussy, uncooperative, dawdlers.)