It’s Not Easy

Parenting is not an easy job.  We’ve heard this in the past, but of course did not become aware of it, until we indeed were parents.  The process seems harmless, well, except for the uncomfortable feeling when you’re pregnant and can’t seem to find a comfortable position to sleep.  Aside from that minor issue, the parenting process seems painless.

We watch our babies grow and cherish every smile and look they provide.  We get excited with their first words and cheer with their first step.  We are excited when they can sit up on their own and sip from a straw.  We giggle at the look on their faces when trying different foods for the first time.  All these moments are remarkable.

The wonders continue into the toddler stage and beyond.  Then they are old enough to get dressed on their own and begin to lock the bathroom door.  They become modest and you wonder, ‘When did this begin?’  However, this continues.  They begin to ask more and more difficult questions, and you wonder what happened to the questions like – ‘What does glass smell like?’

We then have pre-teens and then teens that begin to take an interest in the opposite gender or worse take interest in driving, eek!  We watch our babies grow into amazing individuals.  We listen to the words they speak and wonder where the years have gone.  They become enticed by ‘not-so-family friendly’ shows on the television and the monitoring begins.  Of course the monitoring was always there, but now it appears to be more excessive.

Our children become independent and no longer want to call you ‘Mommy’ instead they call you ‘Mom’.  You struggle to hold on to that little boy or girl that depended on your every need.  You watch as they grow and no longer ache for your smile, or do they?

Parenting is not an easy job, but it is definitely a rewarding job.  Take pride in your actions and be confident that you have set the foundation to their formidable years.  Sure, they will trip and fall on occasion, but that is NORMAL.  We, parents are not perfect, so all we can do is the best we can.  Ask for help, it’s okay to do that.  Look at other moms who have successfully raised confident, and independent children.  They will have interesting stories to share, and lessons that they have  also learned.

Retro parenting is about looking back, before you can move forward.  When you have those days that you think you have failed, look back at the times that were good and build upon those.  You are not a failure and your child will always love you, even if they don’t say it in words.  Love your children, because they will grow into wonderful adults that will look back to you for advise and help.  Yes, that time will come and it will come quicker than you anticipate.

It’s not easy, but it is definitely worth it.  Don’t you agree?

Tagged as: Dr. Daisy Sutherland, Mom, Mommy, parenting, Parents, Pre Teens, Retro Parenting, Rewarding Job, Television