In March we tackled the troublesome subject of parenting under the heading, 'Parents Survival Guide'.
Linda Johnson, from Home-Start South Beds spoke briefly on parenting tips. In brief, she suggested
some key things a parent can offer to a child are: 1) Love without conditions. A child needs to know
he/she is valued for who they are rather than what they do. 2) Boundaries are important for your
children, though they will need to change as they grow older. 3) Don't forget to praise your child. Linda
said, "As a parent you do not have to be perfect, just do the best you can and that every child is
different and what works with one will not necessarily work with another".

If you would like more tips on parenting join one of the free parenting programmes run by Central Beds
Council (for info telephone 0300 300 6780).

Colin shared some of his own experience of being a parent and the pain he felt when one of his children
was a little baby and was in hospital with suspected meningitis. When a doctor said that he would have
to inject the baby and it would hurt him he remembers wishing he could take his small son's place. Later
he realised this must be how God feels about us when we go through pain and suffering as our heavenly
father.

Recommended Books from Care for the Family:
The Sixty Minute Family, Rob Parsons
The Sixty Minute Mother, Rob Parsons
The Sixty Minute Father, Rob Parsons
Every Step Counts- Building a healthy stepfamily, Christine and Tony Tufnell
Teenagers- What Every Parent has to know, Rob Pa