Q: We have two young children, a newborn and a two-year-old. We want to be the best parents that we can be. How do we prepare our children for the challenges they may face as they grow up?

No parents are perfect, so all you can do is try your best, The Family Project panel agreed.

“Your roles as parents are to try to steer them in the right direction. You are preparing them for life. Wondering what to do is the first step,” said panelist Pam Wallace.

“The most important thing is to keep your children safe and be a good role model. Your children are learning from everything you’re doing,” said panelist Joanne Raftas.

“You have to be emotionally-sound and help them express their feelings. Teach them it’s OK to cry. Parents need to realize how impactful the things they do are to children,” Raftas added.

“Children look at you to see how you respond in different situations. That’s why being a role model is such an important part of parenting,” Wallace said.

It is important to take care of yourself so you can be the best parent possible, the panel agreed.

“Self-care is key. To be the best parent you have to be the best you. You can’t pour tea from an empty pot. You don’t have to be perfect, but try your best. It’s OK to make mistakes and learn from your mistakes,” panelist Denise Continenza said.

Each child may require different parenting, Raftas said.

“You may have to give different energy to each child. Understand where each child is and what is happening with them. Children can survive not-the-best-parenting if there is love and caring in the home,” Raftas said.

“The struggle is day-to-day and there will be no shortage of things to stress you out. Do the best you can do. Love them and teach them right from wrong,” panelist Chad Stefanyak added.

“Get to know each child and known their strengths. The range of development is so wide. Enjoy the journey,” Continenza agreed.

“Check in with yourself where are you weak. Read parenting books or take parenting classes. It’s OK to ask for help or listen to suggestions,” Raftas said.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Chad Stefanyak, school counselor; Denise Continenza, extension educator; Joanne T. Raftas, registered play therapist and counselor, and Mike Daniels, LCSW, Psychotherapist.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.