Susan M. Heim Interview On Parenting

Welcome to another interview with an admirable lady who is a well known writer on parenting.I hope you will enjoy this interview just as l did bringing it to you.Happy reading.

Susan M. Heim is an author, editor and blogger, specializing in parenting, multiples, Christian and women’s issues. She is a longtime editor for the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Susan’s books include “It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence”; “Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power”; “Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year”; “Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons”; and numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books. On her blog, Susan Heim on Parenting, Susan shares her personal and professional thoughts and experiences on raising children in today’s world

Sikaz: Could you tell us your name, location and age?

Susan Heim: My name is Susan Heim, and I live in Florida (USA). I’m in my forties!

Sikaz: What is your opinion about parenting; is it worth it?

Susan Heim:It’s definitely worth it, but I don’t think parenting is for everybody. It’s a lifetime commitment that should be pondered carefully before embarking on the parenting journey. But for those of us who always wanted to be parents, the challenges are definitely worth the rewards that come with having children.

Sikaz: What is your opinion about breastfeeding?

Susan Heim: Women should attempt breastfeeding whenever possible because it is the best food for our babies. However, if breastfeeding isn’t possible, most babies thrive on formula, too.

Sikaz: What are the challenges of working and breastfeeding your baby?

Susan Heim: Working outside the home can definitely make breastfeeding more challenging, but it can be done! Be sure to speak with the administration about the time you’ll need to pump milk, the need for refrigeration, and a private place for expressing your milk. Hopefully, your employer will understand your needs.

Sikaz:   What are the things one should look out for while choosing a nanny?

Susan Heim: Good references are a must. Watch how a potential nanny interacts with your children. Is she engaged and active with your kids? Talk with her about parenting philosophies to be sure that you share the same ideas about discipline, etc.

Sikaz: How would you describe your older child’s experience when the younger child was born?

Susan Heim: My two older children were a little shocked at the ages of 11 and 14 to hear that they were going to have two new little brothers (twins). But, fortunately, they were old enough not to need me as much anymore on a practical level (feeding and dressing them, etc.), so it was easier for them to adjust to new siblings than it might have been for younger children.

Sikaz: How would you describe your typical day as a parent?

Susan Heim: Busy! I work from home as a writer, but it’s still a constant juggle between my commitments to work and to my family. On a typical day, I drop my boys off at school in the morning, work at my computer until early afternoon when I leave pick up the kids, and then I spend my time with them until I return to work when they go to bed.

Sikaz:   What is your personal opinion about teenage parenting?

Susan Heim: Teenagers can be a challenge to parent, but they can also be a lot of fun. My advice to parents is not to take teens’ reactions too personally. This is a time when their friends are much cooler than you are! It’s natural for them to pull away from you at this time and want to be with their peers. Of course, if you’re dealing with more serious issues with teens like drinking or drug use, you’ll need to consult some professional assistance.

Sikaz:  What do you think could be done to stop teenagers’ involvements in violence and hard drugs?

Susan Heim: Keep them busy! A lot of trouble results when teens are bored, and they start experimenting with ways to entertain themselves. Get them involved in community service projects, sports, and other activities that occupy their minds and bodies.

Sikaz: What are the causes of teenage disrespect and how could it be stopped?

Susan Heim: Setting an example of respectful behavior for our kids is always a good idea. People who speak disrespectfully to their children will usually get the same lack of respect in return. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be firm with our children. We should. But there should be no name-calling, screaming, power struggles, etc. However, even the best of parents will experience disrespect from their teens from time to time. We should not be surprised as this is natural, but still insist on respect from our kids, just as we respect them.

Sikaz: What is your advice for those who are planning to be parents one day?

Susan Heim: Speak with your partner about your parenting philosophies before the children are born. If you want your partner to do certain things, like change diapers, you need to discuss your expectations early on, rather than experiencing resentment later when the children arrive. Talk with each other about how you’ll discipline, find time to be with each other, and more.

Sikaz: What is your opinion about books, seminars and workshops on parenting?

Susan Heim: They’re terrific in combination with advice from friends and family, as well as your own instincts. Different sources will suggest different techniques. Often there is no “right” way to parent, only what’s right for your particular family. So, do plenty of reading, but then tailor various techniques to your family’s needs.

Sikaz: Are parenting coaches relevant and helpful to parents?

Susan Heim: Coaches can be helpful, especially if you have an especially difficult child. Often, a coach can see things more objectively, rather than emotionally, and be able to offer suggestions for handling difficult situations. Of course, it’s important to find a coach who has experience in the type of problems that you are facing.

Sikaz: Some parents seem to be neglecting their parenting activities for their career. What is your opinion on this and its effects on the society at large?

Susan Heim: Unfortunately, some parents don’t have a choice about having a career. They must earn money to support their family. But most children do fine with a loving caretaker. A parent doesn’t have to be physically present every hour of the day to make his or her children feel loved. If they spend the time they do have with their kids in an engaged and meaningful way, then children with working parents can thrive just as well as those with a stay-at-home parent.

Sikaz: Thank you Susan.We’ve enjoyed your thoughtful insight into parenting .Dear reader to read more about Susan Heim, you should please visit her blog at  http://susanheim.blogspot.com/