Change is never easy. In this fine parenting journey, I suspect that in addition to the many fulfilling victories, we will have our fair share of rough times too. I want to put down a few thoughts in writing NOW so they may serve as the guiding principles in times of need.
The Charter
- The focus is on “action, not just knowledge”. Knowledge is good and necessary, but without action, it ain’t worth a diddly squat. So, focus on learning as much as possible, but more importantly, take the time to put what is learnt into action.
- The motto is “progress, not perfection”. Perfection is great, but when you don’t have the time to get to perfection, making progress, even a very small one, is better than no-action. This means that at first, I will probably make a lot of mistakes, but as far as I get one thing right, I will forgive myself for getting the other nine wrong.
- The approach is “consistent, baby steps”. I will pick one parenting skill/concept each month. Over the course of the month, I will break it up into small tasks and put it in action. Rinse, repeat.
- The spirit is to “share as much as possible, without compromising trust”. I will share the things I learn, the roadblocks I encounter, breakthroughs, setbacks etc. as I go along. I encourage you to share your experiences and the lessons you learn as well. That said, I will neither disclose anything personally, nor publish any reader stories, that might embarrass or put down family/friends or compromise trust. This is never going to be that kind of blog.
- The priority is “family first, everything else later”. While we are on the topic of family and friends, let me put this one down as well. I have a tendency to get caught up in a project and neglect everything else around me. This one is a reminder to myself that while this blog, and all you readers are awesome, I need to put my family first.
The Disclaimers
- I am NOT a parenting expert nor am I a personal development guru. Hopefully, the amount of time I am spending on this will make me something sooner or later!
- I do NOT have all the answers, but as you can see, I am on the quest to find them.
- I am NOT qualified in any way to give any sort of advice to anyone. I will share what I learn though. If some of it comes out looking like advice please take it with a pinch of salt 😉
- I WILL at some point monetize this blog. My daughter started going to daycare when she was 8 months old. I can never think of those first few months without a knot in my stomach. Since then, one of my long term goals has been to have more control over my time – without compromising my independence and self reliance. So, I will experiment with ways to monetize this blog. But since living with integrity is one of the core philosophies I am trying to develop for my life, I promise you that if/when I monetize this site, I will do it with integrity – I will never try to sell you crap for a quick buck.
The Promises
I WILL stick with this come what may. I can’t afford not to. I have a good kid, but she is amply blessed with the “spirited” and “strong willed” genes from both sides of the family. And I’ve got just one chance to get this right.- I WILL be a better parent. No, not “I will raise a good kid”. That’s one of the things I am learning. The aim is to become the best guide possible and let them choose the course of their life.
- I WILL be a better person. Can’t be a better parent without becoming a better person first.
- Come join me, and you WILL be a better person and a better parent too. How could you not be, if you consciously make it a point to improve yourself and your parenting style with small consistent baby steps?
I WILL stick with this come what may. I can’t afford not to. I have a good kid, but she is amply blessed with the “spirited” and “strong willed” genes from both sides of the family. And I’ve got just one chance to get this right.Are you in?
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