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Are You a “Difficult” Parent?
Updated: June 29, 2021
Originally Published: March 25, 2015
My nine-year-old recently broke his ankle during a basketball playoff game. The story behind the injury isn’t particularly thrilling; he simply tripped while running down the court. But this Friday, he’ll be celebrating the removal of his bright orange cast—a fact he’ll make sure to share with anyone within earshot, including the bemused high school student at the cookie shop.
To say he’s excited to finally part ways with the Sunkist accessory on his leg would be an understatement. I have to hand it to him; he’s handled the entire situation like a trooper—always cheerful, never complaining. To fully appreciate why this is such a significant moment, let me share a bit of our history. As a toddler, my son was quite the handful. He would throw multiple tantrums every morning just to get ready for the day. Whether it was the tag in his shirt bothering him or the chocolate chip cookies I packed having actual chocolate chips, nothing was ever quite right.
During those challenging toddler years, I spent a lot of time trying to “fix” my child and, admittedly, washing a lot of empty wine glasses. If social media had been a thing back then, I might have considered creating an Instagram account for parents to share photos of their kids during their meltdowns, tagged with #difficultparent. Thankfully, blogger and mother of four, Lisa Thompson, did just that, and it turns out she’s not alone in this parenting journey.
Her account captures relatable moments, like this post that shows the humor in our shared struggles. As Lisa shared with a popular parenting site, “Even with our best efforts, kids can be disappointed, and I hope this brings a lighter perspective on the chaos we all experience.” If that line reminds you of something from a favorite movie, then you and I are on the same wavelength.
However, it’s wise to be careful about what you share online. Each moment of vulnerability you post could go viral, and while all kids eventually outgrow their difficult phases, the label of a “difficult” parent can linger. If you’re interested in more parenting tips and stories, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
To read more about the journey of parenthood and how to navigate these challenges, you might find insights on the at-home insemination kit as well.
Summary:
In this lighthearted reflection, Jessica shares her experiences as a parent of a once-difficult toddler who recently broke his ankle. Through humor and relatability, she connects with other parents who face similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of community and understanding in parenting.