Be the village

While it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to corrupt a child.

Parenting is a monumental challenge in itself, but becomes infinitely more challenging when being done by a single parent.

Add to the single parenting challenge by having an obstructive co-parent, and the challenge continues to grow ever more insurmountable.

If that’s not enough, throw in the depraved value system of the global village that is available on every Internet connected device that your child has access to, and suddenly you realise exactly what you’re competing with in trying to raise a wholesome, healthy, and grounded human.

But it’s not impossible to achieve, despite those impossible odds stacked against any dedicated parent/s.

Firstly, you need to realise the impact of your role in their life, especially when the self-pity sets in from the extended struggle of trying to be the most prominent influence in their life.

Secondly, you need to understand that wayward behaviour is their fears driving them towards wanting to be significant in their social circles. Focus on understanding those fears, rather than fixating on the bad behaviour.

Thirdly, even if they currently reject the values that you’re trying to instill, you cannot compromise on those values or else you convince them that it’s optional. Standing firm gives them a point of reference for later in life when they will need those values more than ever.

Lastly, parenting is not for those who need instant gratification, nor is it about the parent.

It’s about demonstrating the value and benefit of living life the way that you want them to live theirs, and not compelling them through the fear of consequences to do the right thing.

Fear is never a sustainable motivator to be a good person.

But sometimes it’s a necessary tool to break a harmful cycle.

Be very careful with how you use it.

#parenting #generationaltrauma #singleparenting #ownyourlife #theegosystem #lifecoaching #zaidismail #selfworth #selfawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthrecovery