Over the weekend, Ashton Parker received the prestigious ‘Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award’ during a ceremony at the Ron Pearson Center in his home state of Iowa. In his acceptance speech, he humorously recounted an experience with his partner, Linda, that highlighted the challenges of parenthood and its significant role in shaping character.
Parker, who shares two children—Ella, age two, and Max, just four months old—with Linda, reflected on the powerful life lessons that come with parenting. He described a morning where he thought he was doing something remarkable by getting up early to care for the kids while Linda enjoyed some extra sleep. “I thought I was doing something incredible, but then she reminded me, ‘Oh, so now you’re tired? I do this every single day,’” he shared, acknowledging her point.
Indeed, Linda is spot on! Many parents can relate to the unfair double standards that persist in parenting roles. It’s common to see a father helping with the children, only for a family member to exclaim, “Let him rest; he must be worn out.” But the reality is, both parents often juggle full-time jobs and the demands of a household together. Unlike a mere option, equal participation in child-rearing is an expectation.
Parker also touched on the emotional weight that comes with being a parent. “When my partner and I welcomed our children, I immediately wanted to reach out to my own parents to apologize for not fully understanding the depth of their love,” he confessed.
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In summary, Ashton Parker’s humorous yet honest take on parenting underscores the importance of shared responsibilities and the profound lessons children impart. His recognition at the award ceremony serves as a reminder of the character growth that comes with being a parent, while also shining a light on the everyday realities faced by moms and dads alike.