Parenting is tough. It comes with a rollercoaster of emotions and more aches and pains than you want to deal with. But it also comes with plenty of smiles and cuddles and love. However, when times get tough, there are things every parent wishes they knew. While there are plenty life lessons to learn from dogs, there are also plenty of parenting lessons we can all learn and put into play. Take a look at some lessons your dog can teach you about parenting.
Love unconditionally.
Your dog loves you unconditionally, and they cannot image their life without you. That’s how you should take to parenting. You will fall madly in love with your child, and you need to know how important it is for them to be loved. Make sure you are there for your child in good times and in bad, just like your dog is for you. Be the shoulder to cry on, the person to snuggle with, and the one to laugh with when they need it. This will make it all worthwhile.
Heal the wounds.
Dogs work hard to ensure they are back to normal, and this is what parents need to do for their children. Although there will be some pain that you cannot take away, it’s important that you try to make your child happy and let them learn the right way to overcome pain. Listen to them complain or cry or scream, and then show them how to try and make it better. Even if it cannot be done right away, it’s always nice to know it’s an option.
Learn to let go.
As a parent, you want to keep your child under lock and key for their entire life, but it’s not possible. Dogs encourage their little ones to get up and move about and be independent from a young age, so it’s important you do the same. This doesn’t mean treating your child like an adult after they’re out of diapers, but it means teaching them to be independent enough to have the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed.
Put others first.
First time moms have it hard. They’re filled with emotions, and they’re now responsible for someone other than themselves. For some, this is easy to accept. For others, it’s not. As a parent, you want to be sure you’re putting your children first. Make sure they have enough to eat, have warm clothes, have a roof over their head, and have what they need to survive first. By putting yourself second, you will prove how much love you have for your child.
Take a nap.
There’s nothing wrong with just calling it a day and spending time on the couch or in bed. Don’t stress yourself out or pack your schedule so tight that you don’t have time to sleep. If you’re a zombie, it will not help your relationship with your child. Instead, make sure that you are also taking care of yourself so you can be there for your child for many years to come.
Parenting is the hardest job on earth, but you can learn how to do it just a little bit better by taking lessons from your favorite pooch.