The Joys of Raising Children

Who doesn't love kids? If there's one thing I learned from having a family, it's the happiness brought by raising children. I got pregnant almost every two years. Sure there were regrets that I am not really ashamed to admit, but love blossoms when you bear a child. I now have a 5 year old, a 4 and a 1 year old. I don't have a nanny also. When I see news about children being maltreated by people you thought you could trust, it breaks my heart. Even if I wanted to pursue a career outside my home, I have begun to accept that raising my children is now my career. Here are some things I have learned so far:

1. Children are different from each other. It is a challenge not to compare kids. But I think that there will always come a time that comparisons will be made. My husband and I discuss our children by ourselves, making sure that the kids would not be hearing anything. Yes, we compare, but we make sure that we put utmost attention to the behavior/characteristic that needs improving.

2. Children are intelligent individuals. I have noticed and learned that the approach to learning should be adjusted on the needs of the kids.One child may require a lot of information and explaining to do when he/she asks a question,while the other may not. Kids ask the simplest question and a parent's job is to answer it as truthfully as he/she can.

3. Children needs attention. In my case, the challenge happens when one kid after another demands attention. Sometimes, one kid asks a question, while another tries to tell a story, while another starts to cry because he hurts himself. It's crazy and fun at the same time. It is the parents' responsibility to give attention to the children. They feel loved and appreciated by the acceptance and approval they get from their parents.

4. Polite words matter a lot. Kids do and say silly things. However, it is always up to the parents on how their children will grow up. Teaching words of politeness is my priority at home. I've always believed that polite words hone a person's character and it will always be seen on how he/she deals with people until he/she grows up.

5. Discipline with love. With three children and a never-ending pile of housework to finish, I always end up getting easily irritated by mess and fighting. I do 'face the wall' or 'time-out' strategies to make kids understand what they've done. However, I always see to it to explain to them the mistake they have done. It's true that sometimes they are too young to understand, but the hugging and apologies that comes after are what usually makes my heart melt.