How am I as a parent?

Its one of those responsibilities that sort of become a part of you, specially if you really want a family. Even with today's literature of 'how to' books, I find that my dealings - as a parent - with my kids, is mostly on the basis of making sure I respect and love them.

I also find that I am doing what I feel is right, based on experience. For example, I grew up with a strict mother who used the stick. Maybe she believed in not sparing the rod and not spoiling me... but I also grew distant of her, for the love was shared with fear. So I decided I would not spank my kids. I would reason with them - so far it seems to work. I also had a broken family - meaning my parents were separated at around the time I was around 7 to 10. So I never had the stability of a solid family... thus I, and my wife of course, intend to give my kids that stability.

Not to say they're prefect in all ways. My kids may at times be too slow to listening to me, and they're slowly getting to the teen stage - so I'll be expecting more debates and nights out. My son will start having possible social issues, with my daughter not far behind.

However will I cope? I'd better start stocking up on Dr. Phil tips... but I believe communication is key. one of the things I like about my relationship with my kids is that they relate to me as a friend and parent. They can talk to me and are open with me... at least, I hope they are.

I would want to spend more time with them - maybe share some activities together, so I try to make a point to have my weekends free for them.