Parenting is like a lifelong on-the-job training program. You learn as you go. It is not a game, but rather a semi-organized plan with a purpose. Being an adult gives you the advantage of having experience which can prove to be beneficial in the leadership of the lives of your children.

I am a parent of both a son and a daughter. I could have not asked for a better combination. Our children have presented us with a lifetime of good times, sad times, exciting and enjoyable times. Each day is a new page, which gives the parent an opportunity to start fresh each day, just in case yesterday was not one of those better days. As your children grow in age, size and abilities, you find yourself beaming with joy. You, the parent, can be proud that you did the best job that you could in the growing stages of your children.

There are plenty of books out there to tell you about parenting, but the real experience is when you are in the middle of the action. Being a parent is not easy, but not many things that are really worthwhile are easy.

I am proud to say that I am a parent. If I were to do it all over again, I would not change one thing.

M. David Ricks