I've been tagged

It has been awhile since I have participated in a techno-tag game. KellyC has tagged me so I guess it's time to step up to the bat and play.

The perfect parent:
It is hard to believe that all parents do not have their children's best interest in mind. It is heartbreaking to read so many awful stories in the newspapers -- so for you (Kelly) to come in and start tagging on this subject, is refreshing. The qualities you mentioned are beautiful.

I believe a perfect parent (rich or poor) is one who spends quality time with their children. That is the principal key to everything. Of couse, not everyone can be a stay-at-home mom and my heart goes out to single parents who wish they could.

I consider myself (and my kids) very blessed for that ability and I think that is one of the reasons they are such ideal kids.

In my opinion there are several things that children must have in a parent or parent figure:

1. Plenty of love -- "with love, all things are possible" -- is not just a saying. Love is strong. By loving a child, you are giving them self-esteem. Love must be given and shown. Love and respect your significant other and you give your child more than anything else you can dream of.

2. Being there -- A child needs parents to be there for them. I know, many of you have grown up just fine but today's world is so different. Not all children can be left alone for hours at a time. It is too dangerous. We are considered strict parents by many, but we don't care what others think. We are here for our children.

3. Reading -- can't stress this enough. I started reading to my children while they were infants. They not only loved it but by the time they entered kindergarten, they were reading second-grade material. (I never even realized it) They have been overachievers ever since and to this day, they love to read. I think reading to a child is a buildling block that can't be overlooked.

4. Spending quality time -- sometimes you have to let the dishes go while you take time out to take a little one to the park. The dishes will still be there later, your child may not. A perfect parent will take their shoes off and run in the grass with their child. A perfect parent lets her 3-year-old mix the batter while they bake. One of my favorite cherished memories (I wish I had a picture of it) is of my little one wearing a big apron and standing on a chair -- flour all over her face -- as she laughs and tells me about her day while stirring some batter for a birthday cake. Yes, they make a mess and it is simpler to make it yourself -- but the smile it produces and the pride you see beaming from the child when the cake is done --that is priceless!