It takes incredible courage to ask for help and to get up each day and try again. Parenting is the most important job in the world for most of us. We want to do our best every day and we want to equip our children with all they need to go out into the world and make great lives for themselves and be able to handle whatever curve balls are thrown at them. We want them to feel unconditionally loved and supported no matter what mistakes they make. We want them to make good decisions and succeed in their endeavors and have fulfilling relationships. And we want to make sure that we have given them all the tools they need to do these things.
And yet, every day we fail at some part of this. We yell at their whininess, we have a meltdown when a train comes along and we’re already running late, we lie to get out of an obligation (“Oh goodness, I wish I could, but I’ve got to take the kids to a doctor’s appointment”), we swear at another driver, we order pizza, instead of cooking a healthy dinner…
But my clients get up each morning and say to themselves: today I’m going to try my best and I’m going to forgive myself for the mistakes I made yesterday. I’ll apologize if I need to and I’ll do what I can to be the best parent I can be today. And if I’m really struggling, I’ll write it down and bring it up next time I meet for parenting support.
These people are brave and strong and wonderful parents. They are willing to keep trying new ideas and reach out for support to make changes in theirs and their kids’ lives. They put their love for their kids ahead of their fear of looking weak, or ignorant in some way. They open their hearts and minds to new ideas and philosophy and find what feels right for their families.
Dear friends, thank you for opening yourselves up to me and my ideas. Thank you for believing in me and referring me to others. Thank you for being courageous and loving your kids so incredibly much. I admire you and I honor you.