LET'S talk ... relationship: Starting a family
Published: Saturday | July 19, 2008
Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson
Dear Counsellor:
I am thinking of starting a family. I have been married for three years and we think it is time to have children. I am happy, but I am also scared. Could you give me some parenting tips?
Dear Maria:
Having children is a good idea. Children are loveable and challenging. Not many persons get the opportunity to take care of the future generation.
Children are born with their own temperament, personality and behaviour. As parents, we need to improve on their talents and bring out the best in them. We must guide and enhance their development.
Many parents can only afford to give their children a good education. Some parents have money and assets that they can bestow on their children and grandchildren.
Read up about the human life cycle so that you can better able to understand yourself and your children. We are all growing older and see issues through different eyes. Children need a lot of attention, guidance, supervision, direction, nurturance, love and caregiving. You will need to schedule time for children, husband, yourself, family of origin, friends and work. If you have friends or family with young children, then you can share ideas and activities with them.
rules
Children need rules to live by. They need structure, routines, family ritual, pleasant experiences and happy memories. It is nice to take photographs for viewing in later years. Pleasant memories are essential as this will help when life gets rough.
Precious memories o they linger.
As your children grow, they need decision-making skills, problem-solving skills and risk assessment skills. Teach children from a young age according to their development and understanding. Some things will have to be taught daily, so you will need tolerance and patience. Let the children know their extended family members and be involved in their religious faith.
Stressed out
Dear Counsellor:
I find life to be stressful. I have just finished college and have started to work. I'm not eating appropriately and my sleep is impaired. So many tasks to complete and so little time.
Dear Alicia:
Welcome to the world of work. You will soon get acclimatised to this new journey. Stress is part of life.
Many of the skills that you learn in college will come in handy at work. Work is good for you as it occupies your time and helps to pay the bills. Therefore, approach work positively and do your best. We need to bloom wherever we are planted.
Flexibility, adaptability
Manage your workload before it manages you. There will always be emergency issues or oversheduling. You have to be a Boy Scout or a Girl Guide. Flexibility and adaptability are key.
Time management and organisation are essential skills. As a newcomer to work, you may feel overwhelmed but seasoned employees will tell you that you will soon acclimatise.
You need to have work goals and career goals. Each job is an experience and you should try to get the most from your activities.
Your field of work is varied and full of opportunities. Make good use of the opportunities that are created for you. As time goes by, your skills will improve. Interpersonal and communication skills are very important to success at the workplace.
Phone Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.
