Parenting

       Parenting is an impossible thing and I have learned through watching my own parents. I have a brother who is 19 years old and a sophomore in college. He is only two years older than me, yet totally different. For instance, my parents were always very hard on him with his schoolwork, not to say they aren't hard on me, but they're not as tough. My brother struggled all throughout high school because he never fully applied himself and he didn't always but his best foot forward. My parents are still tough on me, but they don't have to be. I put that immense amount of pressure on myself and always apply myself in everything I do. So is the good parental thing to do to put that pressure on their child, or no?
         Parenting has definitely changed throughout the years, and I believe that it is even harder right now in 2012. A lot of factors weigh in such as college and technology. Back in the 30's through the 80's, you didn't need a college education to get a job, so it wasn't a necessary course of action. In modern day America, it is impossible to get a job without a college degree due to the economy. Companies are looking for the most educated people to do their jobs. Also, technology plays a big part in parenting because children have more access to, well...everything. If I were a parent now, I would limit my child to their access to the internet and television to attempt to keep their minds innocent for as long as possible. I would also encourage them to play an instrument as well as getting them in the habit of reading, because both things are proven to have increase grades in school.
       When I grow up, like I said before, I will encourage my child to read, play an instrument, play a sport and also expose them to religion. Exposing them to different things such as theater, sports, dance, books, I think will give them the opportunity to find a passion and pursue it. It will also teach the child to have respect for those different things, making them a more well rounded person. As for religion, no matter what kind, I believe it is a good idea to be present in a child's life. Whether or not they want to practice that religion when they grow older is their decision, but exposing them to it I think is very important. For rules and standards, I would probably use the same ones my parents gave to me. No t.v until homework is finished, schoolwork comes before everything but family, easy chores starting at a young age to teach discipline and responsibility, show respect for all of your elders and your siblings, and most importantly, be a kind and loving person.