Why does parenting seem so hard to so many and so easy to others??
Parenting in itself is not a hard skill to learn. The issue is that parents are faced with so many other obligations, emotions and challenges in life besides parenting. Think of it this way. You go to work and for 8 hours, your job is to fulfill whatever your job is. Your focus should be one minded, completing the task at hand. Now if you returned home and for the next 8 hours your job was to parent it would not be so hard. This is not the case for most. For most arrive at home, take a deep breath, enter the house and begin where they left off from the morning. That might be finishing cooking meals, taking out the trash, doing laundry, completing homework, cleaning the kids rooms, trying to complete that assignment for the boss, reading the newspaper, trying to catch a quick workout, mowing the yard, touching up or beginning that house project, providing transportation (you get the point) and then comes the parenting.
Why am I telling you this? One, to let you know that you are not alone if you feel this way. So many parents I meet feel this way. The difference between a good parent and a great parent is the approach and attitude you take to handling this type of role in your life.
Try these quick thoughts to help you refocus yourself and embrace what parenting means to you.
1. Every adult needs time to themselves to do the things they enjoy. (whatever that means to you) I put this first because of how important it is and how so many push it aside. Sometimes putting yourself first, takes away any feelings of resentment.
2. Create a consistent routine and clear expectations within your home. The routine should be designed so that it allows all members within the home to flourish. (Not just what you as the parents thinks is best).
3. Spend time as a family as often as possible without any gadgets, cell phones vidio games etc. try an old fashion board game, trip to the local library, a local event or anything else. This atmosphere provides for non interupted (much needed) time with your children.
Post what works in your home for others to see.
Cheers,
Todd
