I think that being a parent is vastly different than it was a generation ago.
Some of the changes make things easier. I can entertain my children with movies at their fingertips on long drives, I can play their favorite songs on demand. I have limitless options as far as classes and food and schools.
But, there are other changes that make it more difficult. I don’t know my neighbors very well, and my family is spread out (yes, those are choices, but I find that they’re pretty common, too).
And the huge number of choices alone is a hindrance. How do I know what I’m doing right? How do I know what mistakes are really going to affect my kids?
So, we have our work cut out for us as mothers and fathers.
One of the things that I hear again and again from parents is, “I’ve tried everything.”
While I full admit that parenting is a huge challenge and daunting at times, there’s no way that *any* of us have tried “everything”. We roll our eyes when our kids tell us that they’re “bored” and I know more than a couple husbands who don’t buy for a second that their wives have nothing to wear. So, why do we let ourselves get away with this little lie? Why do we give up so easily?
I think the truth is that in the middle of chaos and trials, it’s hard to step back and think logically. It’s hard to open our minds to other thoughts when we’re so very focused on just getting through the day. I have been there. I’ve sat down at the end of the day and just cried. I’ve wondered how I was going to get through the next day or week or month of parenting…
But, at some point, I find that I have to step up and just do the work. I have to try something new. I have to experiment. I might even have to try something that I’ve done before, but try it again. I’ve read tons of books on parenting. And I’ve asked lots of questions. And I encourage you to do the same.
We all have hard days. Like I’ve said, this parenting stuff ain’t for the weak of heart.
But, take advantage of some of those resources out there. Dust yourself and tryy something new.
I like to call it comando parenting.
And so far I think it’s working out well.
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