Parenting Style: How To “Perfect” Yours

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Regardless of how HUGE your circle of friends was back in high school and in your freshman and sophomore year of college what most people, especially women will find, it that, that circle begins to “close” by the time you graduate and enter the workforce. From friends who “hook up”, get married, get jobs and move away to those who you simply no longer have anything in common with, most ladies will find that their once thriving “social” life has significantly settled down. And, it changes once again, once you become a mom.

Let’s face it, parenting IS a full-time job, and if you though trying to bond and connect with old friends was difficult before, mommyhood brings with it a whole new set of challenges and rules. What many women, in fact fine, is that not only do they find themselves less tolerant of how others act, conduct, themselves, and live (hoping to associate with others more on their level and with similar life paths and goals), but you may find that you can’t connect with others because of the way they parent their children. After all, you wouldn’t want YOUR child around negative influences. And, if you don’t have a comfort lever where you can openly discuss this with the other parent(s) you may find yourself in a very difficult and uncomfortable situation, especially if you’ve known that other mom and/or dad for a while.

Keep in mind that this is not the first or only time you’ll have to deal with emotional adversity and challenges, especially in regard to your supposed support circle. And, while some things are clearly “black and white” it’s important to remember that in many instances there’s not cut “wrong” or “right”, so there’s no need to get all up in a huff, even if you disagree.

Experts suggest keeping and “open-mind” and going with the flow, allowing your “friend” redeem him or her self and live and learn. Or it simply means accepting him or her for who they are. However, when safety issues are in question, it’s best to follow your gut and cut off ties, if you have to. And, you may need to confront your “friend” as well. Just make sure to be diplomatic and tactful and careful not to point any fingers or undermine their abilities or judgment.

Long Island Family Life & Parenting Articles > Parenting Style: How To “Perfect” Yours