“We learn every day,” so says that popular saying.
I know that is true in many aspects of our human endeavours. But being a relatively new parent, I have come to also realise that the statement is particularly true of parenting.
Parenting is a huge responsibility. But it is also full of opportunities to learn new things.
As parents we know that our children learn from us. But beyond that, any sincere parent would acknowledge that every now and then, he or she also learns from his or her children as well.
I have experienced it several times…
I have a three-year old and a five year old. Sometimes I set out to teach them some things and in the process I learn new things from them as well. 
Even I have enriched my vocabulary merely listening to them. And I believe I’m not alone here.
There have been times they asked me questions I didn’t have immediate answers for. But as I looked around for the most appropriate feedback to give to them, I got to learn new things in the process.
I also get to use my experience in guiding them. But I have since realised that experience is not enough; my experience is my experience, not theirs.
Just like many new parents, I would admit that I don’t know it all. So I am still learning… And it seems to me that every opportunity that gets created for me to teach my kids something is also an opportunity for me to learn something too – no matter how small.
Granted that when I am teaching them, I tend to do most of the talking most times. But it pays to listen to what they have to say as well. Listening is a key part of parenting. Every parent should develop the skill.
I would not say I have arrived in that respect. But I know I’m no longer where I used to be when the parenting journey got started.
Now I’m learning to be a little more open and more accommodating to their many ideas and perspectives. They don’t have their way most times (obviously, they shouldn’t). But I shouldn’t have my way all the time either.
They may not be aware yet that relating with them opens a new vista of knowledge for me. But I have come to realise that I am learning a lot from them.
So in only five years experience on the job, I am convinced that parenting is learning. That’s my perspective. What’s yours?
©Copyright 2018 | Victor Uyanwanne
You are right about that, parenting is real learning on the job, With two teenage boys, and a little lad, it’s a whole different ball game, sometimes I am left wondering why they have to grow up so fast, now I am learning how to communicate with them as young boys so that they don’t feel exasperated.
Thanks for the comment. With two boys as well, I already have an idea of what hell of a work it will e to contain them when they become teenagers. In any case I will believe God for the best.
You’re right Victor. My wife and I raised five children and they taught us a lot. Let them make mistakes, don’t shield them from everything, be there to guide and accept them including their mistakes and love them every chance you have. Just like God does with us. Blessings!
Thanks for sharing about your family Bruce. I know I have alot to learn from older parents like your goodself. Your advice is noted. Thank you once again.
God has taught me so much in parenting. There are days when I still feel like that 17-year old kid having to make huge life-altering decisions and not sure if I’m going to make the right one. Pray for your children everyday. 😊
Thanks so much for the comment. I sure will remember the advice to always pray for my children everyday. I know it is worth it.
I agree entirely. And with each new phase come a whole new set of lessons to be learned! Parenting is constantly changing, and with it we are too! Big love to you, Xx!
Thank you for reading and commenting. Big big love to you too. Regards.
Well, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. Parenting is not easy and there are no shortcuts. But its worth every drop of time and energy that we put into it. My children are in their teen years and now I find myself missing the times when they thought everything I said was new and interesting. That is all until I realize that they grow up and parenting becomes even more challenging. So keep doing what you are doing because this is a lifetime job filled with many benefits and the learning is all in the experience. I am a new blogger and would like very much for you to check out my post for I have many more coming and I too look forward to hearing more from you. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by. Your very encouraging words are highly appreciated.
I like the insights you gave… I can relate. Telling my kids simple things I know and they feel like ‘wow’; answering their numerous questions and they make me feel like a genius. I got your points. It’s fun truly.
The challenging part of raising teenagers? Well, I still have like 7 years to enter that phase. I hope that before I get there teenagers would become more cooperative with their parents. Smiles 😀
Of course, I will check out your blog. I believe we can learn from and encourage each other.
Thank you and it is nice to meet you. Look forward to more sharing.
not only is parenting all about learning, but you never stop learning as a parent.
Beautiful. Thanks for the perspective.
Would you consider God to be a parent?
Well, I have never thought of it that way. But if we call God our Father doesn’t that make Him our parent? Smiles.
I would add that He is a different kind of Parent: all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving.
So does this mean God is learning from us?
You stated — “…any sincere parent would acknowledge that every now and then, he or she also learns from his or her children as well.”
No, that doesn’t mean God is learning from us. Like I stated, He is all-knowing; He knows all things already. He doesn’t suffer from the limitations as human. That’s given.
Is Jesus God?
Absolutely, yes.
You stated — “He doesn’t suffer from the limitations as human. That’s given.”
My response — And yet he suffered on the cross.
I hear people talk about the Bible I read and it makes me curious so forgive me if my questions are frustrating you.
It was a good discussion and I have a better understanding of how you interpret the Bible now.
If you have time check out one of my posts.
https://realitydecoded.blog/2018/04/03/when-is-the-last-time-you-took-a-hard-look-at-modern-religion/
Yes Jesus Christ suffered on the cross. But remember that He is divinity and humanity in one. It was His hamanity that suffered.
Your questions are not frustrating. I’m glad we both gained something during the interaction.
I will check out the post you recommended and also leave you my comment. Thanks for your time here.
You stated — “But remember that He is divinity and humanity in one. It was His hamanity that suffered.”
My response — I like to keep things in context also, so let’s speak of the humanity you say is part of him. Humans learn so do you think that God learns through his humanity?
To put it another way, was God ever human before? If not then are you saying that even when God does something new he does not have the ability to learn? Wouldn’t that be a limitation if he couldn’t?
You stated — “Your questions are not frustrating. I’m glad we both gained something during the interaction.”
My response — What did you gain?
You stated — “I will check out the post you recommended and also leave you my comment. Thanks for your time here.”
My response — I am most interested in the first video in that post. It has a number of people talking about the book we read and I would like your feedback on what you think of what they say.
Here are my humble responses to the issues you raised:
1. Yes, in His humanity Jesus suffered what it meant to be a man and learnt things as a man too. Hebrews 5:8 confirms this: “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” As God, being all knowing, He didn’t have anything to learn from humanity. But once He took on the form of man, He had to go through the things men go through too. But the difference is that He always relied on the power from Above.
2. I already told you that even though I see God as my Father, I had never used the word ‘parent’ for Him. It was your earlier question that led me in that direction. If I may asked you too: Have you gained anything from the conversation so far?
3. I have visited the post and left my comments there.
You stated — ” He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.””
My response — I find that to be a very interesting interpretation of his learning capabilities. I currently do not have enough information to know if he learned anything but I do know that Jesus did not have the same information as the Father so maybe it’s possible.
You asked — “Have you gained anything from the conversation so far?”
My answer — Yes.
May I ask what you have gained from the conversation so far?
I don’t mind you asking but you never answered it when I asked.
My answer — An understanding and confirmation of your religious view. This is important because I am currently mapping out religious views and understandings.
Every little bit counts since it takes a large number of smaller conversations to build the data. Whenever you talk to people about their faith they become a bit hostile if you have questions. The message is supposed to be love but the responses after a few questions is literally just hate and anger.
How about you, what did you learn?
I guess you missed it because I already responded to this question as stated below, “…even though I see God as my Father, I had never used the word ‘parent’ for Him. It was your earlier question that led me in that direction.”
Sorry I missed it, you were saying the thing you learned from me is that God is your parent, understood.
We can close this side topic out also, thanks.
If you meant God is my Father, yes. Thanks for your time.