I’m closing in on 9 years as a parent and 3 years as a parent of two, and if there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that parenting is the ultimate humility builder.
I have done many things in my life, and arguably, have done them reasonably well. I think that my colleagues would agree that I’m a competent professional and that those who know me through my civic involvement would say that I have a measure of competence and ability. And…very little of that matters in parenting.
Right now, we’re in the middle of what I like to call “Potty Training Purgatory” with our youngest. It feels like 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. He does very well using the bathroom at school and is completely resistant to using the bathroom at home. We are regularly washing clothes and underwear, and trying to stay encouraged by the little wins – but it is EXHAUSTING. I know that at some point, this will be in the rearview mirror and we’ll look back on this and laugh, but right now it feels very consuming and frustrating.
What I am continuously realizing is that in almost any area in which I think I have a semblance of aptitude and achievement, it absolutely does not matter when it comes to parenting. Sure, there are some transferrable skills and knowledge, and also – there are moments EVERY DAY when I find myself wondering, “Who decided that I was capable of being a parent?! I have no idea what I’m doing!”
I am grateful for my community of other parents – some with children older than mine, some with children younger than mine – who remind me to give myself grace, and also share that at every part of the journey, there is something new to learn and figure out. It is comforting to know that while parenting is hard, we are each just trying to figure it out together.
Until next time- be encouraged! Peace and blessings!
life beyond the well... 