(WSVN) — Being a parent isn’t an easy job. Don’t you sometimes wish you had a reference guide to turn to for answers? Now a local mom is sharing her experiences raising kids in a new book. 7’s Lynn Martinez has details in today’s Parent to Parent.
Rebeca has always tried to be a good mom to her 8-year-old daughter Ella. But like most parents, she’s far from perfect.
Rebeca Bryntesen: “I think there’s that constant question in your mind, ‘Am I doing things right?'”
However, we all know kids don’t come with an instruction manual, until now.
Norma Smoker: “The book is titled “Got kids? Take Notes.”
Norma Smoker raised two daughters of her own.
Norma Smoker: “When I first became a mom, I thought I was going to be the worst mom.”
She says she has learned by making mistakes and felt compelled to share her struggles in “Got Kids? Take Notes, “which has become a reference guide for parents.
Norma Smoker: “It covers the emotional needs we need to nurture in our children.”
Norma says too many moms and dads are becoming helicopter parents, doing way too much for their kids.
Norma Smoker: “It’s a perfect parenting style if you want to raise irresponsible children.”
She says be a coaching parent, guide your child, allowing them to grow as they go.
Norma Smoker: “They know it’s because you want them to become the best version that they can be.”
Norma says first teach children to have a work ethic. Start with little tasks, like showing them to help in the kitchen.
Norma Smoker: “It’s good for them to know, because one day they will go off to college and they need to learn how to do laundry or cut vegetables.”
Also teach them proper etiquette. Something Norma taught her kids to do when they were little.
Rebeca Bryntesen: “They always shook their hands, looked them straight in the eyes and said nice to meet you.”
And maybe the greatest lesson of all, be a good listener. Rebeca says the book taught her to really be present with her daughter, to stop whatever she is doing and listen.
Rebeca Bryntesen: “To engage myself by going to her level, looking into her eyes and listening to what she has to tell me.”
Lynn Martinez: Norma says it’s all about motivating your child and building their self-esteem.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Amazon
www.amazon.com
Flora Ottimer
http://www.floraottimer.com/
Hello Gorgeous Boutique
http://www.shophellogorgeous.com/
Norma Smoker
www.GotKidsTakeNotes.com