A Childless Woman's Guide To Raising Children

By Ageleke Zapis

As a woman in her mid-forties, it never occurred to the Author that she would one day write a book about parenting. But, as a keen observer of parents and kids in her extended family, in her life, and in general, over the years she has witnessed behavior and incidents that made her think, “there must be a better way to deal with situations.”

As someone who is without children, she understands that raising children has to be the hardest job in the world. She has witnessed this as an Aunt to her many nieces and nephews and as an observer of day-to-day activities where children are around. At first thought this was a rather far-fetched idea, writing a book on tips for raising kids. Then it occurred to her that this actually made sense, because as an “outside” observer, she can see the forest for the trees. Most parents are too busy trying to live their lives and raise their kids to take stock of what kind of a parenting job they’re doing.

There is humor in the insanity witnessed. Whether it’s a parent loudly negotiating with their child over some insignificant item at a store, ordering their child to “eat your food!” or any other number of parent-child dynamics that often lead to stress, hurt feelings and confusion. As you read this book, you will encounter scenarios that may resemble some of your past or recent experiences with your child.

The purpose of pointing out these reoccurring scenarios is to enable you to see what the Author see, from an outside perspective. This will not only give you insight as to your child’s behavior, but will also help you better perceive your own behavior. Discipline doesn’t have to be about stifling a child’s creativity or discovery process...rather it’s all about how the kids and parents go through their journey together. Discipline applies to both sides of the equation.

Children today are practically handed anything and everything they want at a young age, without having to earn it. And as a result, they grow up believing that they’ve earned the right to success and money without actually having to work for it. When you consider that childhood is a training ground for adulthood, then you see the importance of instilling valuable life lessons in your children.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ageleke Zapis
• Release date: Jan 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301275137

Book preview

A CHILDLESS WOMAN’S GUIDE TO RAISING CHILDREN

Ageleke Zapis

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Published by:

Ageleke Zapis at Smashwords

Copyright (c) 2012 by Ageleke Zapis

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All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

Smashwords Edition Licence Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

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FOR LEE

MY HUSBAND

AND BIGGEST SUPPORTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SHARING

CHORES

EAT! EAT! YOU'VE GOT TO EAT!

GROOMING AND APPEARANCES

MANNERS

DISCIPLINE AND RESPECT

EATING OUT

TO NEGOTIATE OR NOT NEGOTIATE

TECHNOLOGY VS. LOVEOLOGY

ENTITLEMENT

SELF ESTEEM

EXERCISE

IT'S OKAY TO COME IN LAST PLACE (SOMETIMES)

IT'S OKAY IF YOUR KIDS AREN'T PERFECT

BULLYING

BRAT BANS

GRANDPARENTS

QUOTES ABOUT KIDS

FORWARD

As a woman in her mid-forties, it never occurred to me that I would one day write a book about parenting. But, as a keen observer of parents and kids in my extended family, in my life, and in general, over the years I’ve witnessed behavior and incidents that made me think, there must be a better way to deal with situations.

As someone who is without children, I understand that raising children has to be the hardest job in the world. I have witnessed this as an Aunt to my many nieces and nephews and as an observer of day-to-day activities where children are around. I at first thought this was a rather far-fetched idea, writing a book on tips for raising kids. Then it occurred to me that this actually made sense, because as an outside observer, I can see the forest for the trees. Most parents are too busy trying to live their lives and raise their kids to take stock of what kind of a parenting job they’re doing.

When I set out to put my thoughts on paper, I wanted to make sure that not only would this book contain useful insights, but humorous insights as well. It had to serve the dual purpose of being enlightening and entertaining, without criticizing anyone’s parenting skills. Hopefully, you will find that to be the case.

I find humor in the insanity I see. Whether it’s a parent loudly negotiating with their child over some insignificant item at a store, ordering their child to eat your food! or any other number of parent-child dynamics that often lead to stress, hurt feelings and confusion. As you read this book, you will encounter scenarios that may resemble some of your past or recent experiences with your child.

The purpose of pointing out these reoccurring scenarios is to enable you to see what I see, from an outside perspective. This will not only give you insight as to your child’s behavior, but will also help you better perceive your own behavior. Discipline doesn’t have to be about stifling a child’s creativity or discovery process…rather it’s all about how the kids and parents go through their journey together. Discipline applies to both sides of the equation. Looking back on my childhood, I realize that I was a very lucky kid. I didn’t realize it at the time, but as more and more lessons became ingrained in me I came to understand the value of everything my parents were doing––the discipline, the lessons, the scolding, the examples. They taught us to work hard, commit to the task and give it everything you’ve got.

Unfortunately, we don’t see a lot of evidence of that in today’s kids. They’re practically handed anything and everything they want at a young age, without having to earn it. And as a result, they grow up believing that they’ve earned the right to success and money without actually having to work for it. When you consider that childhood is a training ground for adulthood, then you see the importance of instilling valuable life lessons in your children.

This book may offend some (although that’s not my intention) and hopefully enlighten many…and that’s a good thing. If you can draw just one valuable lesson out of this book that you can apply to raising your child or children, then it will be well worth your time. So, here’s to happy reading and happy parenting.

SHARING

"Consume less; share better"

Herve Kempf

My