This is an open letter to all the parents out there…
These words are intended just for you,
If there’s anything you need to read today it’s this. These words are intended for you.
DEAR PARENT…
You probably already know this but your job of bringing up a child is an important one.
From the moment you met your child your entire world shifted. All of a sudden, your life wasn’t just yours… it became a life with (and for) another human being. You now have a precious person who you are responsible for.
From the moment you first connected with your child you were bombarded with decisions and choices.
Cloth diapers or disposables?
Soother or no soother?
To co-sleep or not to co-sleep?
Homemade baby food or store bought?
When to transition from crib to bed?
What’s the best time to start potty learning?
Then there’s child care options, schools to select, and extra-curricular activities to sign up for.
You’re constantly making decisions and, at some point or another, you may have doubted yourself.
As you look through the social media or consult with Google, you may have stumbled across an article that says you’re not doing this parenting thing right.
You desire to do what’s good for your child yet there are firm opinions about everything and these opinions are everywhere!
There’s such a great amount of criticism in this world assaulting parents with the message that they, in some way or another, are failing their children.
Well, dear parent, in case no one’s let you know, you’re doing okay.
The reality of the situation is: You are parenting your child in a very challenging culture.
Just a few decades ago, if someone was critical of you as a parent they may possibly tell you - or they may not. Your neighbor next door might inform you that your kids are too noisy when they play in the yard or they might have chastised you for letting your children run around outside without any shoes. But these critiques took time and, most often, a face-to-face conversation. Criticism was intermittent and as a result, parents had the opportunity to rebound from such interactions.
However, in our current world, judgment is passed on parents with a few taps on a keyboard and the click of a send button.
Parents are constantly bombarded with criticisms. There are online forums, Facebook groups, blogs, and websites judging every possible decision a parent makes. Even if you choose not to read the articles you see the headlines; the words seem to scream at you and often echo in your subconscious. The critiques are fired non-stop and because it’s on your computer and your phone there’s seldom room to escape.
The noise is overwhelming. It’s deafening. And it’s hurting the most important person in your child’s life… you.
Yes, dear parent, you are important. You are vital. You are loved.
While you do the best you can, you may make mistakes, but you learn and so does your child. This is what parenting is about. No one has their role as a parent figured out from beginning to end. It’s a journey that’s completely unique to you and your child.
Today, dear parent, you need to hear these encouraging words: Keep raising your child. Enjoy the human being who’s blossoming before your eyes. Enjoy the moments, big and small, but don’t fret if you can’t catch them all. Cling onto joy and release the guilt.
Dear parent, in case no one’s let you know, you’re doing fine. What’s most important is that you love your child. That’s what raising a child is all about. Love! Love! And more love.
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