Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.
By this point, most of us have realized that parenting is much harder and more complicated than it may have seemed when we were children. There are countless schools of thought on parenting, everyone has their own opinions and the list of do's and don't's grows by the minute.
That leads us to this week's question:
What's the best parenting practice or piece of advice that you picked up from your own mom and dad?
Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.
Denise B. Manners is the main one as everyone is stating. Now a days some of these kids run the parents and the house, which is unacceptable. Kids need to be brought up not getting everything and have respect for others. My children were always compliment on their behavior and that us as parents did a great job. via Plainfield Patch
Julie D. What I have taught my kids: To appreciate what you have. There will always be someone who has something better, or newer, or nicer. I grew up on welfare, and most of my clothes and food were "handouts". Sometimes my sister, brother and I were so hungry, I would steal food from the grocery store. My kids grew up with SO much more than I did, which is what all parents want for their children. I am so thankful that I can now give back! via Oswego Patch
Meg Burns Lietz: My husband and I discuss this a lot now that our oldest in entering his teen years (we still have toddlers). Aside from being loving supportive parents, good role models etc, we feel one of the best life lessons we can teach all of our children is how to persevere. We feel it's important to let our children try new things and allow them to fail. Failure is a part of life. Learning how to cope, stay positive and overcome life's obstacles is something everyone should learn. Our parents never jumped in to solve our problems in school, run to our aid when we lost a job or offer for us to move back in to their house when we had no money in the bank. Not everyone will have the perfect job, family or life but learning how to be grateful for what you have and persevere through difficult times will help you see the blessing we all have on a daily basis. — Geneva Patch Facebook
Linda P. My Mom was a single mother My Dad passed away when I was 6, so Ma raised me, She taught me to be firm yet loving, not to put up with anything and to remember What I did as a Teen and use it.Both of Our kids have turned out to be great even with 10 years in between them. via Channahon-Minooka Patch