All Parent Should Listen To Advice

My little baby. I remember when I was pregnant with him. Every month was new and exciting while I watched my belly grow.

 

I had so many crazy thoughts about pregnancy. 

 

One day comes to mind. I was in the car with my husband and sister in law. We were talking about something, I haven't the slightest remembrance over the topic anymore, and it was getting heated. All the sudden I started yelling, telling them to be careful what they were saying in front of my unborn child. I didn't want all of this negativity in front of him!

 

Wow... Like my child could actually understand a word we said. I'm so grateful they gave me such grace and didn't just laugh in my face. Luckily I have very loving family who puts up with my crazy. 

 

As new parents, my husband and I had so many ideas about parenting. We thought being in youth and children's ministry made us pros. We planned on raising perfect children, since we had it all figured out. 

 

It didn't take us too long to realize we actually knew nothing about having a little baby. 

 

It doesn't matter how much you think you know, even after five kids. There is always something to learn about raising kids. Each child is different and children go through different seasons. 

 

If we would have remained the know it all parents, our kids would be completely screwed up by now. One thing I love about Indian families is their the village raises the child mentality. You're not ever on your own. All of your pinnis (aunts), mamas (uncles), and parents teach you what they've learned and give  you advice. They've taught us so much about raising kids. 

 

If I could give you new or seasoned parents advice, it would be to ask for and be open to advice from others. You don't have to listen to everything, but at least hear them out. 

 

Make sure you're only asking people if you actually want their advice. I try to only ask my close friends and family. 

 

You don't have to know everything there is to know about raising children. Accept help and advice from the people you love and respect. 

 

Share the best piece of parenting you've received from a love one on my facebook page, tag me @almstindianwife, or on Instagram with the #almostindianwife 

The Prodigal Son

I've mentioned how close Indian families are before. They are so close that the children even trust their parents to choose their spouse. White families can be close, but they value independence more. We turn eighteen and think we've achieved greatness. We can finally make our own decisions and don't have to listen to anyone. It becomes our life and we do things that make us happy. Joel and I were talking this week about different parenting styles. Kids make bad decisions. Some worse than others. Some make decisions so badly that it can effect every part of their lives. As parents, we try to protect our kids from this. We do whatever we can to teach them our mistakes so they don't have to make their own. What happens when they do? In an white family, the child deals with their own consequences. Some parents forgive and others close the door, but the child deals with the brunt of their consequences. In an Indian family, every family member deals with the consequences. The child's actions reflect on everyone. It shows that the parents didn't do their job, the siblings weren't there for them, the grandparents didn't guide the parents enough, etc. It's almost a sense of accountability for Indian children. It's not just their lives on the line. So which family would you rather be in?White families may be more individualistic, but are they there for each other like Indian families?I've seen so many pros and cons of White and Indian families. I love that I'm in a position where I get to say I'm part of a white and Indian family. I think their are things we can learn from both cultures. We need to challenge ourselves to love our kids and always be there for them.