Needless to say, parenting is one of the toughest jobs out there. You’re piled up with so many responsibilities, you work, you cook, you clean, you have relationships with friends, family, and then there are your children. Even just one child can be considered a handful, so can you imagine more? In general, when it comes to parenting, it’s one of the toughest jobs out there, and it doesn’t end when your kid turns 18. Sometimes, the toughest part is when they’re adults. You can only do so much on your end, but like every parent, you’re trying to do what you can to ensure you’re bringing up a good individual.
But for every parent, there are going to be days when you question how you can get through it. Every parent has this at least once or twice. While you may want to sit back, get a glass of wine, and even some K-Dip while watching your favorite show or movie, it’s not always that simple. So, here are some ways that parents can keep pushing forward, even when the job is tougher on some days than others.
Be Patient with Yourself
You’re only human; you’re not a super mom like in Wandavision; you’re just an ordinary parent, an ordinary human. When you became a parent, you probably promised yourself that you would be patient with your children. But when your kids push your buttons and annoy you, it’s easy to lose control and react harshly. When you feel that frustration building inside, take a moment to consider what is really important. How does this incident relate to your family’s values and your overall goal of raising kids with integrity?
Identifying what triggers your impatience can help you develop strategies to address it. For example, if you know that you get more frustrated on days when you’re hungry, eat before you leave the house, or schedule time for yourself every week so that you can sneak in an extra nap or go for a run. Even small changes can help you be more patient with yourself and your kids. And remember, it takes time to build patience, so don’t be too hard on yourself. It takes practice and repetition. Overall, don’t be hard on yourself, and stay your hardest to stay patient with yourself and your children.
Take Time for Yourself
You’ve probably heard the “put on your own oxygen mask” analogy, but putting yourself first can feel impossible when you have a hungry baby in one arm and a mess on the floor with the other. Parenting is hard work, and in the daily grind, it’s easy to lose track of who you are and what your passions are. That’s why it’s important to set aside time for yourself to do things you enjoy. Whether it’s dusting off that book you started reading two months ago or taking a walk to clear your head, doing something for yourself can give you a sense of purpose and help you keep going forward when parenting is tough.
Never Compare Yourself to Other Parents
With all of these mommy bloggers and mom influencers, you’re questioning how they do it, right? How are they able to stay fit, how are they able to make their kitchen appear so organized, how do they have time to do yoga and date nights, and how are their kid’s clothes so clean? How do they do it? Even TV stars, celebrities, YouTubers, Martha Stewart, and maybe even your next-door neighbor. How do their kids have all of these boundaries?
Well, people only show what they want people to see, but it’s not even the reality. Unless you’re hiring a nanny and a maid, you and your co-parent are doing all the work. For the most part, only the ultra-wealthy have nannies and maids. So it’s best not to compare yourself, your kids, or your home to others, as this is going to create negative expectations.
Never Give Up
It’s important to remember that there is no one right answer when it comes to parenting. Just like in government or business, what works for one child might not work for another. The most important thing is to keep going. Don’t give up on yourself or your family. If you are struggling, seek help. This can be from your partner, a counselor or therapist, your spiritual community, or even your doctor.
Parenting is hard; raising that little human to come out just right takes up so much time, energy, and a lot of strength too. But you can’t give up; taking breaks is fine, but you should never give up. Sure, once they’re an adult, they can make their own decisions, but until then, don’t give up on pushing forward as a parent.
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