Decades of Unknown Training

Advice to Parents:  

Parenting tip 122

Don’t be the parent that stays in the background. This is how children can be lost in the system that’s already failing. Don't be afraid of embarrassing your child with your efforts.  That is part of the job and as added bonus, it's one of the perks!  If you begin when they first go to school..they won't know the difference.

Be the mother that knows the teacher, that knows the principal and shows up and volunteers for parties.  Get to know the kids and as many of the other mothers you can.  Be the one that will help build the new library, or sew the costumes for the school play.  The one that keeps score at the game or brings the juice boxes for half time.  Be the mom that travels for the games or event taking several friends with them,  and hosts that extra practice at your house.  

Kids are not the only ones that need to know whos corner your in. So does the school.  Be that parent that makes a difference and holds others accountable.  Trust me... they see you.  They know who you are and they need you to hold them accountable.

You won't regret it.  All the time you have spent at your child's school. All those weekend trips driving 5 hours and staying in a hotel room just to see a 2 minute routine.  All those football games that you don't get home from until 5 in the morning.   Sitting around the kitchen counters eating favorite snacks at 4 a.m talking about the day... It's worth it.

Knowing your children, their friends and the work they put in every day is building a very strong individual.

Years from now when your kids are having kids of their own, you will find solace in the fact that you were there every step of the way not only giving them support, but teaching them how to be a parent of a child that is involved with activities. Because you are training them to take the best care of your most favorite people in decades...  Your grandchildren.