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Parenting is Just Really Tough
Hey there, fellow parents!
Let’s get straight to the point: Parenting isn’t just tough; it’s downright challenging. While we often hesitate to voice our struggles—worried that it might suggest we’re ungrateful for the joy of parenthood or that we don’t love our kids enough—let’s be real: parenting is hard work. Sure, it’s filled with incredible moments and deep meaning, but it can also be really, really tough.
It’s entirely possible to cherish being a parent while simultaneously feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. You can love your children deeply, even if you find some moments quite draining. These truths, though they may seem contradictory, are something I’ve come to accept. I’m comfortable with the complex feelings that arise in motherhood, recognizing that it can be both a beautiful experience and a challenging one.
I’ll say it again: Parenting is incredibly hard. You know it, and I know it, but we often don’t share that understanding with one another. We sit in our corners of the parenting world, struggling silently, believing everyone else has it figured out while we’re the only ones facing these difficulties. It’s easy to think, “It’s just me.”
One of the biggest shocks about parenthood for me has been the crushing loneliness that can arise, often intensified by the lack of open, honest conversations among parents. Over nearly a decade of parenting, I’ve faced some serious hurdles, alongside the everyday stresses. Each time I encountered a problem, a nagging fear crept in—that I was alone in this, that I was the only one struggling, which only made it harder.
So let me reassure you: No matter what you’re experiencing—whether it’s a tough day, week, or year—whether you’re battling sleepless nights with a baby or potty training a preschooler, whether you find yourself second-guessing every choice or feeling like SuperMom today—IT’S NOT JUST YOU. There’s someone out there who has walked in your shoes, who understands your struggles, and who can relate.
If you’ve ever felt completely unprepared for adulthood, let alone for being a parent; If you’ve thought, “I have no clue what I’m doing”; If you’ve cried at night because your child was hurt and you felt helpless; If you’ve taken a few extra minutes in the bathroom just to escape for a moment; If you’ve hidden in your car for peace and quiet; If you’ve felt conflicted about your love for your child while being frustrated with their behavior; If you’ve wanted to escape for a few days in a hotel, indulging in room service and binge-watching shows; If you’ve felt overwhelmed by your child’s behavior or found yourself cursing under your breath; If you’ve even briefly wondered about life without kids and then felt guilty about it; If you’ve ever questioned the value of that hefty tuition bill only to find yourself wiping noses and dealing with tantrums; If you’ve felt your heart swell with love yet also found yourself exasperated—then please remember, IT’S NOT JUST YOU.
You’re not alone in this journey.
This article was originally penned a while back, but the sentiments ring true today. If you want to explore more about these experiences, check out this link for helpful insights. And if you’re looking for more information on home insemination, Make A Mom has excellent resources to guide you. For those considering fertility treatments, UCSF’s IVF page is a fantastic resource.
In summary, parenting is both a beautiful and challenging journey. You are definitely not alone in feeling the weight of it all. It’s essential to connect with others and share our truths.