What type of parent do you want to be?

The question "what kind of parent will you be?" was asked of me at least once for each of my pregnancies. We all know the kind of parents we would like to be and work hard on being that parent. But, only while doing it will you truly find out what kind of parent you are. Parenting is something that is not learned overnight. It takes time and we as parents can and will make mistakes. We must learn from those mistakes and parent according to the way that feels best and comfortable to us and each child. As I go on I am finding that all my children will be different and require different types of parenting. 

Wanting nothing but the best for my child was a huge motivation on how I wanted to parent. I thought of all the parents I knew and found things they did that I agreed with and some I did not agree with.

With my first it was simple and I knew exactly the parent I wanted to be: Honest, caring, and respectful. I never wanted to hurt my baby. I wanted to talk to her and teach her what was right and what was wrong. I read many books on parenting and on how to have a smooth and good pregnancy. I was told to avoid stress during the pregnancy because my child would be prone to stress. Explaining things to her came easily. Even now our communication is key in how we are together. I hardly ever have to raise my voice or put her in time out.

It is not the same story with my second. She was, and still is, a testy little thing. She's got a flame to her personality that I am sure I had when I was younger. I got in trouble a lot. Her and I talk to each other with our own understanding on how we like things. I know that may sound strange but very few words are said. She talks to me when it is just the two of us or if the people around us are engaged with everyone else. Now we are working on her talking when people are around. Things have been better lately. She is opening up, and talking to me while people are around; taking small steps as the days go by. 

Last but not least my little man, he is still a baby -- a happy, silly, adorable baby. We talk when he's feeding, we laugh together at funny faces we make with each other.  I read that when you respect a child the will learn to respect you as well so I want him to teach him to be respectful. I want to encourage his common sense. I want to fight the urge to pick him up when he falls so he can learn to pick himself up. I can't wait to see how his personality develops.

So, what kind of parent do I want to be? I want to be a patient one, an honest one, a loving one. I can't wait to see how my babies' personalities develop as they get older and I am excited to watch them grow.

Thank You for reading.