It's Never too Late to Learn Parenting Skills
Most of us picked up our parenting skills along the way, seemingly accidentally, somewhat by trial and error. Additionally, while we were mostly unaware of it, we brought with us the good, the bad, and the indifferent parenting toolkit we'd gained by living our own childhoods. We learned by observing what our parents did, and what they preached. We learned inadvertent lessons from how our parents treated us, how they treated each other, and the way they handled interchanges with the people in the community around us. If all was well, and there was unconditional love in the house, where calm, respectful communication was prevelent, then you are among the lucky.
All of us were launched into society with a set of preconceptions that work behind the scenes to guide the behaviors we exhibit today. If you grew up in a household of fear, of danger, of constant worry or abuse, you may have had a hard time getting your needs met as a child. Unfortunately, unmet needs can linger into adulthood, and rear up in unpredictable ways.
It's never too late to learn new parenting skills. There are plenty of books on the subject now, and many online resources. For example, check out Positive Parenting. Also visit Attachment Parenting. If you're experiencing serious difficulties, seek help from a psychologist. If you are confused about how to provide your children with a safe, loving environment that promotes their health, development, and sense of well being, there are resources that can help. Seek them out.
As children, and as adults, we have some very specific needs: We need to feel respected, important, accepted, included, and secure. We will be much more fulfilled as individuals when these needs are met.