1. First and foremost, love your child. Self-esteem is a valuable commodity. A few kind words or a
simple hug from you as your children are growing up could save thousands of dollars in therapy bills
down the road.
2. It is essential to the continued good health and well-being of any parent to cultivate a positive outlook
as much as possible. No, I don't mean running out and joining the Barney fan club. What I mean is
that it is important to welcome every good thing that comes into your life, so that as you show
gratitude, your child learns to likewise develop gratitude. You can't expect your child to develop
such things without first learning them from you.
3. As a parent, you have incredible power and influence in shaping the life and attitudes of your child. It's
a big responsibility. Being a parent is a task and obligation that defines us, our role, and our
community from that point onward. Parents shape the future through their children. Think about
what you teach your child, the words you use around them, and the way you respond to their needs
and demands.
4. Be fair, honest, and open in how you treat your child. No good comes from lying to your children.
Attempting to teach your child concepts of honor, integrity, and honesty will force you to adhere
to these same things. If that doesn't teach you some humility, nothing will.
5. The best thing about being a parent is that you get to do all the things you wish you could have done as
a kid, and in this way you can heal your own inner child.
6. I do not preach to my child. I dislike proselytizing, and will not condone it in my home. I raise my child
to be tolerant of other religions. I encourage my child to think for herself, to make up her own
mind, and to feel free to discuss or question anything. If I can't explain to her that I need to get
some sleep so I can go to work in the morning, how am I going to explain such things as manners,
boundaries, spirituality, or (eventually) sexuality to her? I see my child developing in leaps and
bounds and going places I could never have gone at her age. Watching her grow has given me a
renewed and deepened respect and reverence for the way life works.
7. Laugh and play with your children. Be part of their fun. It will strengthen your bond and it can heal a
lot of the grimness and hardness we all accumulate over the years. Your kids can teach you a lot
about how to be happy, to reconnect with the child-self within all of us and how to make life
special again.
8. Act responsibly and show some respect to your children. If they want to follow in your footsteps,
there's plenty of time to do things right. Your children don't have to be initiated to grow up within
the Craft. When and where it's appropriate, include your children. Create your own rituals
together, traditions that the whole family can share and take pride in. Provide them with suitable
activities, like seasonal crafts and decorating the house. Take this special time to teach your
children the stories and myths, the reasons you do what you do. Give them the chance to
participate in the fun Pagan stuff and don't make a big deal about what goes on in the circle - leave
that for another day, when they are more mature and ready to deal with it in a spiritual context.
9. Always let your kids know that you love them and take pride in them, no matter what. The three most
powerful magic words in the English language are "I love you." Don't be afraid to use them on
your kids frequently.
10. You're human and make mistakes. We all know this. Make sure that your children know this, too. That
way they'll know it's okay for them to make mistakes, and they won't have to watch as you fall off
that pedestal they might have built for you. Their expectations are shaped in response to your own.
Cut them a little more slack than you do yourself. They haven't made all the same choices you
have, and they may see things differently than you do.
11. Empower your kids. Teach them how to get things done. As they get a little older, show them how to do
things for themselves. Learning how to cook or help to do laundry can cultivate problem-solving
skills better than practically anything else. After a few domestic training sessions, you'll find the
shared context useful in explaining all manner of things to them down the road.
12. Encourage your children to read, first by reading to them, then by having them read to you. One of the
most powerful and important acts of magic is literacy. This is a very important gift to give to your
child, and one that will enrich and enhance their life.
13. Listen to your children. They can sometimes teach you a great deal about things you probably have been
taking for granted for a long time. Just remember that you're the parent and it's up to you to set the
limits and boundaries for your children, not the other way around. Give them their say, but the
final decision is yours.
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