Despite his apparent dysfunctionalism Homer Simpson is a good parent. His second child (Lisa) is a model of daughterhood and, although the eldest (Bart) is a handful - he too seems to be developing into a caring, if mischievous, human being. Even, the baby (Maggie) is advanced for her age! I'm Wilma Proops and I've brought up twelve children all of whom have grown into content, often happy, responsible and charming adults. Inspired by Mr and Mrs Simpson's parenting skills and those of my own I have compiled this list of seven tips for parents and prospective parents everywhere. I hope you agree with the advice this list contains and look forward to hearing any comments.
Allow Children Some Freedom
I'm not saying you should neglect your children but you can care for them without being overbearing. In a world full of awful headlines and stories about families in despair it is very easy to become over protective but even if you do, don't worry your children with your anxieties. For instance when you take your children to play in a playground don't stand next to them by the swing, follow them from top to bottom of the slide and shadow them on the climbing frame. This will limit their social interaction with their peers. Instead, find a seat away from the playground but with good vision of the sites and only get involved in an emergency.Allow Children Space
Children need their own space. They need to make it their own too. Children who are allowed there own space have the facility of thinking and of course doing their homework too. Allow them to clean and tidy their space and become proud of it. The more comfortable the space for them and, when they are older their friends, the more they stay in. I worry about children I see roaming the streets in the evening and have sympathy for them. I think, if they had my youngest child's bedroom they'd be at home safe and sound.Allow Children Expression
Many adults are bullies without even knowing it. They don't let children express their opinions. They insist their decisions are implemented without discussion of the reasons behind them. They think arguing is somehow wrong and should never take place in their perfect family home. Wrong, wrong, wrong! It is in family interaction that children learn how to debate, negotiate and express their opinions - at least it should be.Give Children Good Memories
Have fun with your children. They love it when you play tricks on them. They love stories. They love impersonations. Without overdoing it (you can have too much of a good thing) try and make your children laugh as much as possible and give them fond memories.Support Children's Interests
Don't push them into playing the piano, swimming or football but do encourage them when they show interest. So many parents are too pushy and this in the end never works even though it might seem it gives some short term advantages. Only a child's own interest will sustain any hobby or pursuit.Give Children Education
By this I don't mean get them tutored I mean give them the means to be educated. Make sure they can read as soon as possible. Make sure they see that you enjoy reading AND that you get a lot out of it. In this you can be pushy but this should be maintained only until they grasp the theory of reading. Make sure your house is full of books.Be A Nice Person
If you are an uncaring, selfish, nasty, scheming, grasping person yourself expect your children to be similar too. There are always exceptions to this rule but they (as they say) prove it. If you don't already, start to care for others, animals and our environment. Start to enjoy making others happy and start to be interested in life, politics, history and anything really worth talking about.
More about the author of this article: Wilma Proops is better known as the once disgraced Agony Aunt who runs the ONLY Comedy Problem Page in the world. She maintains that many a true word is spoken in jest and uses the Art and medium of comedy to convey serious messages and comments. Currently she is working to promote the stage comedy RED HAT NO DRAWERS which is on at The Old Joint Stock Theatre 16th-19th April 2008, Birmingham, England. Google “Wilma Proops” to find out more!
