Parenting: A Bitter Pill to Swallow
I only recently started adding ’Mother’ to my professional description as I realised that it’s one of the most difficult job there is.
It is a job where there isn’t a specified manual. You learn on the job. In order for you to be any good at it you have to be very, very, very deliberate. Take the time to observe, study, be inquisitive enough to find out about the needs and wants of these beautiful souls you’re custodian of. Even with that there is still no guarantee of success. However, there is a gentle comfort in knowing that you’ve tried your best.
Parenting is a reflection of who you are as a person. It is like standing in front of a mirror daily seeing yourself in another being. This for me was the hardest pill to swallow. Your thoughts, fears, values, beliefs system, insecurities, all your bullshit shows up when you parent and this can be very scary. I tend to view what we call ‘generational curses’ as bad habits that are not broken by parents, but passed on from one generation to another. Breaking such habits takes internal reflection and self assessment on a daily basis. The question is how many of us are strong enough, matured enough and conscious enough to do it?
The environment for parenting would constantly change which is a ‘bummer’ because we can’t just do copy and paste and get great result. I constantly hear that this generation is the worst generation ever and I beg to differ. Every generation feels theirs is the worst due to the changes that occurs; news alert; it isn’t. I can bet that this same generation we are screaming about would say the same thing about the next generation. The only thing that is constant is CHANGE.
So, where does this leave me or you as a parent? It is important we note the importance of this responsibility. Acknowledge the pitfalls and pain that comes with parenting. Seek help when needed, get the help you need to do this most important job you’ve been bestowed. For me my faith is a great sounding board and road map as I embark on this journey.
Remember, it is a job for life oh! Whether you like it or not. My mother in her 70’s is still parenting. She is still parenting me( whether I like it or not..Lol) her gran kids, her friends kids, my friends kids, the list is endless. It indeed takes a village to raise a child.
So, is it all doom and gloom? Hell No! I still can’t put into words the joy, love, blessings and sense of discovery I feel from being a parent. As bitter as this pill may be, I’ll swallow it any day!
