Now I don’t claim to be an authority when it comes to raising children but I’ve learned a few things from my own personal experiences--or did I really mean to say, tribulations. From my observations, it would appear that raising children is synonymous with raising your voice. Fortunately there is always help available, if you’ll just buy latest book some expert wrote! Now, I’m not against ‘experts’ but have you ever noticed that they don’t always agree? Maybe they should all get together and read each other’s books? This way you’d only have to read one. I believe in consulting books and getting information but it always has to be in context of common sense. After all, who really knows you’re child better than you?

Relating experiences about childraising doesn’t necessarily have to described in technical terms nor does it require a string of degrees to understand. In fact, last time I checked, they don’t even give out a certificate for cleaning bathroom floor after a sick child threw up at 3:00 A.M. in morning. Not even when you had to be at work at 6:30 same day. If they do, then I want mine! No, I didn’t get a diploma to hang on my wall nor did I get to walk across a stage with one of those square hats and a tassel.

In our primordial state, we balanced our feelings of frustration or anger by striking out in retribution against whatever caused it. But in family situation there is no foe to vanquish. So against our invisible feelings of frustration, we sometimes subconsciously designate someone visible to be foe. When this happens, we feel vindicated by subjecting our children or our spouse to being object of our anger. This type of reaction only exacerbates a situation where others are depending on you to react in a mature manner.

In summary, you should correct your children because they need it, not because you’re angry or lost your patience. Instead of lashing out in frustration against your spouse, seek their support. In arena of conflict and resolution, there is no foe unless you create one. But there is one consolation. Eventually you will get even with your children. Because one day they will have children of their own. And it will be their turn to appreciate you.

write about children, wives, financial affairs, relationships, etc.

Don't know anything about raising children? Your children will teach you! The only problem is that by time you've learned all you need to know, kids are grown.

Losing your temper is most counterproductive thing you can do as a parent

sometimes parents will skip over instruction that children need and go straight to punishment phase

No parent relishes thought of having to discipline their children so we generally procrastinate doing so until we’re about to lose control. And that’s precisely when we need it most.

Raising children shouldn’t be synonymous with raising your voice. In arena of conflict and resolution, there is no foe unless you create one.

The fact that we are both married now has changed everything about our relationship. No longer do we write or call one another with any kind of frequency. I have never forgotten what it felt like to be friendless, and I sometimes worry about how my life would change if something happened to her. No replacement could fill break in my heart. I dare not imagine how alone I would feel. If you haven’t guessed, my best friend is my wife; they are one and same.

The time will soon come when our children will move on and leave us with one another. What my wife and I have cultivated over years goes beyond boundaries of marriage. I still laugh when I hear that phrase, “Marry your best friend,” because I don’t believe that it can be done. It takes a lifetime to create a best friend. Best friends have scars where they have cut each other and healed each other. The proof I see in eyes of old, who have fired metal of friendship longer than I have been alive.

The physical appearance of a couple that has remained married for untold years is but an illusion. What I failed to recognize for so long is how time has honored them. Skin soft and worn that hangs loosely is reminder that they have resisted pull of adversity. Weakened legs and swaying backs are not from age, but from carrying one another through difficult times. They are not deaf; rather, they simply understand that no other voice is as significant as that of their spouse. It was my ears that were deaf, for whisper of their words speaks language of wisdom. Our elders are proof of strength so great that even Death cannot part them.

Marry person you love. Hang on to one another as you ride through all ditches life throws at you. Don’t quit, and, God willing, you’ll find what I have: a real best friend.