5 -phases-of-parenting-phase-4

5 Phases of Parenting – Phase 4

In this five-part series, we discussed the 5 Phases of Parenting.  Quickly in the last three posts we have discussed, 1) I Don’t Know What I Don’t Know, 2) I Know At Least That I Need to Know, and 3) I Know What I Need to Know.  Today we will discuss Phase 4: You Know, and it Starts to Show.

As you identify that you need to know about certain topic areas, you begin to move into what those topic areas are. You immediately remember the specific behaviors and motivations you need more information.

In Phase 4, you know what is missing, you have identified reliable sources, and you have started to use them with your child.  Perhaps to your surprise, some of it worked, and some of it didn’t.  Then you remember when you were a kid, and some things didn’t appeal to you or didn’t motivate you to make a change.  Now you can tailor your style to their child.

Here’s what I know:  Parents know their children better than anyone.  However, be aware that your kids have only a couple of adults to figure out, and you have your family, spouse, significant other, co-workers many others in which to understand.  Kids figure out early how to get what they want, and even before they can talk, it seems they are already masters sometimes.

As we learn parenting skills, it starts to show.  Now you have some experience, rules, and routines set up at home, and you can move with more confidence.  As your confidence increases, your anticipation of upcoming problems will also increase.  You begin to be able to anticipate potential pitfalls.  These may be events at school or with their friends.  You can put some guidelines in place to help them make solid decisions.

Enjoy the journey – it is the essential part of why we’re parents in the first place.

In Phase 5, we will discuss how you now move confidently because of what you know.  The link is here, 5 Phases of Parenting – Phase 5 – Dr. Rich Patterson (pattersonphd.com)

Your parenting skills are increasing, but how are you doing?  Dr. Armstrong writes about The 12 Stages of Life that will give you a big picture of things, The 12 Stages of Life | Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. (institute4learning.com)

Yours for better parenting,

Rich