Raising Children with Tough Love

If you are a parent of even just one child you understand that parenting is the toughest job anyone could have. Of course there are also many joys that accompany bringing little ones into the world, with all the cute little things they say and do. As children grow in age and size the tough responsibilities of parenting become more clear. Parents expecting their first child oftentimes load up on parenting books in order to learn tips and tricks to become the "perfect parent", only to find that each book offers very different strategies and tactics towards "perfect parenting".

One author might recommend discipline in the form of spanking, whereas another author would vehemently oppose spanking but recommend putting your child in "time out". Reality television shows and talk shows attempt to teach parents how to regain structure and control of households with children running amuck. To put it mildly, parenting is tough. Tough Love advocates discuss parenting children and teens who've become involved with drugs and alcohol, but today's society of children and young adults, believing the world "owes" them everything, gives new reason for broader understanding towards parenting with tough love.
What Tough Love Is-Tough Love is just that: tough. We love our children with every inch of our soul, doing our utmost to provide for their need of food, clothing, shelter, personal attention, guidance, direction, appropriate discipline when needed, a good education, recreation and more. Tough love is required in order to properly handle the inevitable disagreements, conflicts, arguments, and even physical battles that sometimes occur in families today.

Parents that have the tendency to quickly give in to their children's every want and whim, or give in after their child has a conniption fit in the toy or grocery store, are systematically setting themselves up for failure. It is your responsibility as parent to raise your children to be respectful and self-reliant. Parents must "let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no".