U of I Extension Applauds Parents on National Parents' Day
Published: Jul. 17, 2006
URBANA - University of Illinois Extension urges Americans to applaud and encourage parents on national Parents' Day, which will be observed on July 23.
"If you have children, you will never have a more important job than being a parent," said Angela Wiley, a U of I Extension family life specialist. "At the same time, the pay is low and training is rare.
"Although we could focus on the various skills necessary for parenting children, I'd like for us to spend some time thinking about how to support parents and keep them strong and sane," she said.
Wiley said that many parents put a lot of pressure on themselves to be perfect for fear that their children will suffer if they are not. She stressed that parents are more effective when they are not crippled by anxiety and paralyzed by guilt.
According to Wiley, Ellen Galinsky of the Families and Work Institute reports that children do not expect perfection but rather want parents who are in a good mood.
Many parents experience stress because their children are overscheduled, Wiley said. She cited a recent conversation with Sondra, a married mother of three, who said that, between her school-aged children, every single evening of the week except Sunday is filled with activities.
"This Parents' Day, consider simplifying your parenting obligations by reducing the number of activities your children participate in," said Wiley.
Parenting experts such as William Doherty, author of The Intentional Family, argue that your children may also benefit from slowing down a bit, she said.
For more advice on parenting in today's frenetic world, Wiley recommended the National Extension Parent Education Model, which provides additional ideas and guidelines for making the most of your parenting.
"One piece of expert advice in this model is that parents who are effective in the long term take care of themselves. You can't take good care of your children unless you're taking good care of yourself," she said.
Wiley urged parents to make sure they take time for physical and mental wellness. "Taking care of your body may mean reserving time for a daily walk, biking to work, or even playing outside with the kids," she said.
Parents can safeguard mental wellness by staying connected to people who support them, by finding time for a relaxing bath, or pursuing a hobby that they enjoy.
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