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What Does It Mean to Be a Parent?

(Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2018)

Sometimes I find myself wondering…

Here are some answers I come up with. It means…

We are strong, but not too strong. We show our kids we all go through difficult times and that we can get through them. At the same time, that doesn’t mean we cannot show emotion as we get there. We are brave, but not too brave. We show our kids we can face the world and its challenges with bravery, but also show them that it’s okay to waver sometimes. We show them that wavering doesn’t make us weak. We teach them patience. We show them we can bite our tongues when we are furious—in the big things and the small (like when tying a shoe for the 100th time). But, we show them we can learn from the times we aren’t patient too. We are disciplinarians. We discipline our children, but find a way to show love at the same time. All in all, I think being a parent means balance. Being a parent doesn’t mean perfection. It means being the best role models we can be, but when we aren’t we find ways to teach. I think these lessons will be what stick with our children the longest. So, we are a balance. To me, it seems like something in the middle is great—and I like that! So, let’s stop giving ourselves a hard time thinking we aren’t good or perfect enough. Let’s be mediocre and be okay with it!

“They say” being a parent is the hardest job in the world. I agree. So I will try not to add perfection as a requirement.

  To learn a little more about me and my blog check out: About Lauren You may also enjoy: You Know You’re the Parent of a Toddler When…

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