10/13/2022
I canāt count the number of times I have been asked to do a series on parenting and child development.
Complete transparency, I hesitated because the standard for āproper parenting ā can be set so high and can be accompanied with shame or judgement -so I avoided this topic all together!
There is not a perfect parent.
We are all just learning, doing the very best we can with the tools we were given from our childhood experience and the resources we pick up along the parenting journey. š±
With an ounce of courage and a gallon of humility for my imperfections as a parent, I am led to share research-based information about child development and parenting skills. Please know these bits of education saved me as a parent.
Story time, during the pandemic my son August, who we sometimes call Froggie šø, started his first school-aged experience behind an old thrifted computer desk at home, because we were not prepared to be locked in the house for an entire school year. Nor was I mentally or emotionally prepared to work full time from home AND (somehow) be a kindergarten teacher. š
It was THE WORST! (For my parents who have watched Encanto so many times you can recite it line by line, feel free to insert Mirabelās voice to emphasize āthe worstā.)
Many of nights I cried to family and close friends, because I was convinced I had lost a relationship with my 6yr old. Miraculously, I was assigned to teach human development courses to graduate students seeking degrees in counseling and family therapy. The information crammed into the reading materials shed light on the ongoing power struggles between Froggie and I. Now, he and I are back on track, communicating openly and lovingly, and closer than ever!
Granted, almost all of the change I sought after in August turned out to be changes I needed to make in my approach to parenting. There are still ābadā days, but we see them as growth opportunities now!
So, again, I share this series with an open and ever growing heart š in hopes it mends or improves your relationships too!
Leave a š is you have experienced something similar, either with your children or even as a child yourself!