Parenthood can feel lonely sometimes, can’t it?
Even with our spouses by our side, or especially if we are a single parent, raising children is no easy task and we can sometimes retreat, rather than reach out, when we struggle as parents.
This is something we ALL go through at some point.
As a mom of two boys, I’ve been there many times myself. I worry about my children, question some of my actions and reactions, and can certainly get overwhelmed by this whole parenting thing!
And when we get overwhelmed, or have that self-doubt creep in, we often don’t reach out, ask for help or for the support and understanding we really need in those moments. Instead, we might retreat. Distance ourselves. Take a step away from our “people.” And it can feel very isolating.
Know that you are not alone.
Working with families for almost two decades, I quickly learned that we all have similar challenges we are facing, similar feelings we are experiencing, and the more we are able to lean in and lean on our support systems, the easier it all becomes.
Find comfort in knowing that so many of us are dealing with the same challenges.
So today, I decided to bring you some of my favorite quotes from other parenting experts to bring a fresh perspective and see if any of these statements resonate in a meaningful way. Read on, and enjoy!
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Brene Brown, Daring Greatly
“It’s become a practice. When Ellen comes bounding down the stairs dressed for school, I don’t want my first comment to be “Pull your hair back” or “Those shoes don’t match your dress.” I want my face to convey how happy I am to see her — to be with her.”
Heather Armstrong, Dooce
“That’s sort of a cliché about parents. We all believe that our children are the most beautiful children in the world. But the thing is, what no one really talks about is the fact that we all really believe it.”
Dr. Laura Markham, Calm Parents, Happy Kids
“The most useful mantra: Don’t take it personally”
Adele Faber, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
“The more you try to push a child’s unhappy feelings away, the more he becomes stuck in them. The more comfortable you can accept the bad feelings, the easier it is for kids to let go of them.”
Madeline Levine, The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids
“We need to always deal with the child in front of us, not the child of our fantasies.”
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Remember to reach out to other parents. Community and friendship with those going through similar experiences is the BEST resolution for us parents.
Leave a comment below and let me know if you’re struggling with frustration or isolation as a parent right now. I would love to hear from you.
Wishing you connection and community,
Jackie