Global Parenting Network

Recently we asked for responses to our query regarding the "Purpose" of Parenting. Today, we would like to receive your thoughts regarding whether the role of Parents is to serve as a CARE GIVER, DOOR KEEPER, HELPER in some way, or a LEADER? Your response will be critical to our efforts to reinforce the position and role of Parents on multiple levels. Thank you.

RECOVERY, RESILIENCE & RESPECT
There has been much media coverage, opinions and influence over the last two years in reference to RACE Relations or EQUITY and Health triggered by the coronavirus or COVID-19 crisis.
Very little has been published, shared or promoted from “Ground Zero”. Where is Ground Zero? It is from the Position and Role of Parents.
The Coronavirus has created major disruptions and distractions from the lives we were all accustomed to living. It does not matter if it was a high-profile life or a common profile life – everyone and every family has been impacted by the virus.
Parents are now and have always been the TRUE First Responders to any of an endless number of life and family challenges that find their genesis or beginnings in the home and among family members. The publicly acknowledged FIRST Responders are present in nearly every case in response to a Parent making a phone call in response to a dilemma or challenge beyond their skill set. We view those of the professional response teams as the Public Professional Reaction Team. We could not survive without them and greatly appreciate their responsiveness in ALL matter of emergency.
Ground Zero is the location and the presence of the most familiar and responsive person to do all they can to remedy every situation and are quick to realize when a situation is beyond their capabilities. The Parents are the Leaders at Ground Zero and make the all-important call.
The issue of RACE and EQUITY is another area that is and can be best managed from Ground Zero also. Home is where the conversations and influence are germinated. If society seeks to find a difference making forum in this and areas similar to it, it can begin at Home at the tutelage of Parents. Ideas, thoughts, values, character and opinions oftentimes are influenced by the environment or home. Yes, there is the dreaded garbage on television and other media resources but Parents have greater influence than any media source. There is much that is being said and NONT said to influence beliefs and actions in this area. Parents CAN make a difference.
There is a common refrain being echoed daily as a campaign to return to “NORMAL”. Much has impacted how we live, choices we now make and resources within our grasp. We at Global Parenting Network suggest the word “NORMAL” be replaced with one of the most common natural skills of a Parent. The replacement would be from NORMAL to “RESILIENT”. Why Resilient? Because Parents are managers of constant change and correctness through their responsive nature 24 hour a day to the issues of family, survival and growth for everyone. Being Resilient in an autopilot behavior of most Parents.
Resilience in Parenthood has been defined by some through statements like: Parents are more likely to achieve healthy, favorable outcomes if they are resilient. Resilience is the process of managing stress and functioning well even when faced with challenges, adversity and trauma.
Resilience can be and often find itself as a tool to Recovery including our recent Social, Economic and Health challenges.

Lastly, the mindset of RESPECT is something that seems to have been lost in the dynamics of change so pervasive in our changing society. We ask that EVERYONE pause and take a deep breath to embrace the idea of RESPECT and NOT let it disappear completely.

Parents are some of the busiest people anywhere. Balancing so many things is the true job description of an active and fully present Parent.
Obviously, in today's world, there are significant issues of Health Maintenance, Economic Stability, Education, Relationships including EQUITY, various forms of SAFE Interaction for Parents and each family member.
Yes, it is more than a full-time job with no direct compensation. The rewards present themselves through a feeling of SUCCESS in completing a task or seeing a family member doing well and more.
We have always embraced Parents as holding the single most critical and natural position of Leadership in ALL of Humanity.
There is a DETERMINATION to be Correct and complete in every task a Parent is faced with either consciously or unconsciously. However, oftentimes we may second guess ourselves and occasionally doubt whether the path chosen was the correct path. STOP second-guessing!
There is a special and possibly unique process of engagement Parent apply in nearly every situation. we refer to it as the Whole-LIfe or BIG Picture approach to nearly everything. While Parents may appear to be reacting to a specific situation, there is often another more expansive process that begins prior to becoming engaged or finding answers. Parents are gifted with the "Whole-Life and BIG Picture" subconscious mind that oftentimes begins with one word -"IF". If this happens then it could lead to . . . . Or if this doesn't happen the long-term results could be . . . .
So, Please respect and appreciate the CHARACTER of the Parenting Mind and its total indulgence while being very protective in nearly EVERY situation.