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Parenting Is Challenging Because We’re Committed to Doing It Right
There’s a notion that really gets under my skin. It scolds us, suggesting that if we find parenting to be tough or feel like throwing in the towel—whether it’s daily, hourly, or even minute by minute—or if we momentarily wish our kids were a bit easier to manage, then perhaps we weren’t cut out for parenthood in the first place.
That’s simply not true.
This idea is not just misleading; it’s harmful. It can trap us into comparing our struggles to the seemingly effortless parenting of others, making us feel inadequate in our own abilities.
You know what’s easy about parenting? Putting on a brave face and pretending it’s a breeze. The hard part? Everything else.
I’ll be the first to admit that parenting is tough. I work hard at it because anything truly worthwhile requires effort. I stumble and fall every single day. Some days, my failures look like losing my cool when my twins decide to turn a brand-new box of crayons into a confetti explosion. Other times, it manifests as a sharp response to my 8-year-old, who, despite my warnings, has just broken something valuable during a chore. There are moments when I find myself crying in the kitchen, overwhelmed by too many demands, simply because I can’t handle the noise and chaos.
But I refuse to pretend that I don’t struggle. Parenting my four kids is no walk in the park. Facades don’t serve anyone; the truth lies in our imperfections and the courage to embrace them.
Yes, parenting feels hard, but it’s not because I don’t care. I love my kids with an immeasurable depth. They are my everything—wonderful, precious, and deeply cherished.
It feels challenging because I strive every day to be better than I was yesterday. It’s tough because we’re all flawed individuals navigating this journey together. I feel the weight of raising these little humans into well-rounded adults, a task filled with both privilege and tremendous responsibility.
If parenting feels easy all the time, we might want to reflect. The most rewarding aspects of life require hard work and perseverance, and those moments of struggle indicate we’re on the right path.
I know I’m on that path because parenting is hard every time my 8-year-old struggles to manage his emotions, despite our efforts to guide him toward healthy expression. It’s hard when I see a call from school and my heart sinks, wondering if it’s about him. Parenting is tough when my little ones decide to turn a tube of toothpaste into a snack. I have to resist the urge to yell and instead choose to communicate lovingly, even when it feels like a never-ending cycle. It’s challenging when my 6-year-old wakes up sick on a school day; it’s not just the mess, but the worry that comes with seeing him unwell. It’s hard when my 5-year-old comes home, upset about a classmate’s unkindness, and I must guide him on how to respond with kindness instead of anger.
Parenting feels overwhelming because I care so deeply, wanting to control their worlds and decisions to protect them from heartbreak. Yet, I understand that allowing them to face consequences is essential for their growth.
There are days when I question my capabilities and contemplate giving up. But deep down, I know I’m a fighter. I press on, and that’s part of the parenting journey—discovering our inner strength.
So, no, I won’t just “suck it up,” because through my years with my delightful kids, I’ve learned that parenting is hard because I’m committed to doing it right. It’s about acknowledging our failures and continuing to move forward together toward a life full of love and authenticity.
There’s nothing greater than this journey we’re on.
For more insights, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, or read about our experiences with home insemination kits. If you’re curious about more parenting topics, be sure to visit our other blog post here.
Summary
Parenting is undeniably hard, and that difficulty stems from our commitment to doing it right. The struggle is a sign that we’re invested in our children’s growth and development. Embracing our imperfections and persevering through challenges is what makes the journey worthwhile.