It used to strike me as odd - but really, it makes perfect sense.

If you are a regular flier, or have flown recently, you will know what I mean. The plane is taxiing along for take-off and the cabin crew are going through the pre-flight safety routine.

The odd bit Im referring to is when they tell you what to do with the oxygen masks in the event of the cabin losing pressure. Now, all decent parents would feel the urge to see to their children first. Its a natural instinct.

After all, you regularly hear of adults throwing themselves down to push a child out of the way of an oncoming truck, with no heed for their own safety.

So what advice are parents given?

See to your own oxygen mask first. In other words, see to your own safety and then look after the kids.

Yes, it used to strike me as odd - but when you ruminate on it, it makes perfect sense.

Your kids absolutely need you to look after them. And youre no utilize to anyone if, whilst trying to assist them, youre struggling to breathe and start to lose consciousness.

The common sense rule is: see to yourself first - that way youll be in a better position to help others. And that way you all stand a better chance of survival.

And so it is with parenting skills.

You want to have the best parenting skills for your family. And while youre at it, you want to overcome all your family problems and challenges.

Most parents mean well. They want the best. But generally they overlook the apparent:

You must first of all look to yourself.

Probably the best parenting skills you may develop are high self-esteem and confidence.

Yes, for you, yourself, not your family.

Their development and confidence will follow on naturally from yours.

Because with high self-esteem and confidence youll be relaxed, self-assured, assertive, and you will cope in a
crisis.

And all these qualities will be like music to your familys ears! A Mom and Dad who are relaxed, confident and caring in their parenting activities will produce relaxed, confident
and caring children.

But today there is a wave of anxiety, fear and panic, not just among parents, but in society in general.

Ask yourself just how confident you are in tackling your parenting projects.

Why not boost your parenting skills by boosting yourself first and foremost? Whether youre a Mom or a Dad, or even if you want to do this together as a couple, theres a wealth of resources available.

A simple internet search will turn up an endless stream of parenting resources.

The more effective your parenting skills, the more balanced and productive our citizens!

And you understand what?

Your kids will love you for it!

Happy parenting . . .