Cheryl's Blog

Parenting with Courage and Confidence

Moving Away from Fear

It's a scary world out there. I spend a lot of time talking to people--to parents, children, teachers, childcare providers, and professionals--and almost everyone is afraid of something. And with good reason: the economy is faltering, money is scarce, and the risk of simply living out each day can feel overwhelming.

Many parents are afraid on a deeper level than this, however. They are worried that someone will hurt their children, that their babies will be abducted or assaulted or ignored. Parents worry that they won't know what to do and that their children will make serious mistakes as they grow. And perhaps deepest of all, parents worry that if they don't get it exactly right, their children won't love them, won't be happy, and won't thrive as adults.

The truth is that there are good reasons to be afraid these days if you're raising children. But fear rarely brings out the best in us. Parents become anxious--and so do their children. Parents begin to pamper and be permissive in the mistaken belief that their kids will be okay if they're just "happy" enough. Or they control, dictate, and micromanage in the hope that they will be able to keep their children from making mistakes. And parents worry that at the end of the day, their children won't really love or respect them. That may be the deepest fear of all.

The bookstores (electronic and paper) are filled with books claiming to know "the answer" to effective parenting; I know, because I've written some of those books. Television and radio feature parenting "experts", all telling parents how to do a better job. I know, because I'm one of those radio voices. But confidence as a parent doesn't come from fear, nor does it come just from listening to the voice of someone who doesn't know your children or your dreams for them. Confidence as a parent comes from two sources: the love you have for your children, and solid, practical skills with which to guide and direct their growth.

The purpose of this new website--and this blog--is to provide real knowledge and tools so that you can do the best job possible in guiding your children to adulthood. Your own heart and values will be your compass; my job is to offer knowledge, wisdom, and skills. If you stay tuned to this website, you'll be able to learn more in the days and weeks ahead. For now, consider this an invitation to begin moving away from fear, and towards confidence and courage. You and your children can thrive--together.

| Posted by cheryl | Thursday, July 21, 2011|