Parenting 101

I was 22 years old when I gave birth to Sapphyre and I always had this idea of the kind of parent I would be.

I wanted to always be warm, considerate, and so on.

Let me tell you all, I tend not to be any of those things because if we're being completely honest, children can REALLY push your buttons. I feel like children are always testing you to see how far they can go before you've had enough.

First of all, I'm impatient. To be honest, becoming a mother has made me slightly more patient but not as much. If Sapphyre falls down, I typically laugh before asking if she's okay, unless she's REALLY hurt.

I try not to take my job as a parent TOO serious because children needs some freedom to enjoy themselves and be risky in their play.

I don't want to be the type of parent that coddles their child ALL the time. Sometimes children must learn to be a little bit tougher, you know?

I think my parenting style is a mix of authoritative and authoritarian.

I believe I'm an authoritarian type of parent because I strongly believe that children should follow rules, especially rules meant to keep them safe and from harm.

I feel I'm an authoritative parent because although I come off as "harsh" on Sapphyre, I still strive to create and maintain a strong, positive relationship with her. For example, if she does something I consider "bad", if I realize I've overreacted I would go to her and apologize and ask her to forgive me.

Being a mother does not mean that I will not make mistakes, and I want my daughter to always know that I can humble myself and admit when I am wrong. Then we hug it out, tell each other "I love you", and we move on.

I also avoid embarrassing Sapphyre in front of others. I would take her somewhere privately for us to talk about what she's done and help her to understand why she shouldn't behave that way. She usually get it.

I remember each and every time I would go to the grocery store and Sapphyre would throw a tantrum, and you know what I did? I ignored her.

One time it was so bad that a lady came up to me and asked me if I was okay, all I could do was laugh. Because, as Sapphyre was rolling around on the floor trying to have her own way, I kept on shopping.

I've learned a lot in these past 5 years. I've learned that bribing your child is 100% okay to do (haha) and I do it all the time! Especially when I need some peace and quiet to write on my blog or complete homework assignments.

No, I am not ashamed.

Also, I've taught Sapphyre from early on to fear "the look". So when she decides to misbehave all I have to do is look at her sideways and she immediately stop doing what she knows she shouldn't be doing.

In true, Bahamian style.