Would You Nominate Yourself As Mother Of The Year?
This week I’m responding to a parenting question that really touched me. First of all, because it was sent in by a father.
And second, because he describes the pain of not being able to help his children when they cry—a situation moms are so familiar with as well—that is the cause of feelings of guilt and incompetence.
But let me ask you: if you’re in the midst of a challenging parenting situation, and you feel helpless, and you look helpless, are you really helpless?
Wouldn’t parenting feel different if you stopped believing that you don’t know what to do?
I believe SO STRONGLY that you really do know what you need to do next. In today’s episode, I show you why that’s true for thoughtful parents like you and me.
Incidentally, a few days prior to writing the email for this week’s episode, I got a Google Alert about a Mother of the Year Contest, run for the 6th year by a Floridian parent & child magazine.
So over the last week I’ve been toying with the contest organizer’s questions: “Who is Mother of the Year Material?”, and “Do you know a great mom who deserves some recognition?”
My answer to the first question would be: KEEP READING 99% of the mothers in my circle are made of that mysterious material! (and that includes you, too.)
And to the second question, my answer is a question (hey, I’m Jewish): Do you know any mom who doesn’t deserve recognition?
After much pondering, I decided not to nominate myself.;). I’d like to continue with my parenting trial and error without any medals weighing on me, or “Thank you for trying” certificates.
It doesn’t mean, though, that I don’t stop once in a while to appreciate myself for the parent that I am and the parenting adventures I’ve survived over the last 15 years.
You, too, should give yourself a big pat on the back.
That’s why I’m dedicating this week’s episode to you, knowing that you’re a perfect parent in your own way. Whether you are clear on what to do next or totally in the fog.
And if you want to pay that forward, send a link to the friends that you would have liked to nominate as Mother of the Year, even though they might still believe that they don’t deserve it.
After you’ve watched the video, go to the comment section below, and tell me—
Have you already given up on one or both of the parenting beliefs mentioned in the episode?
And if so, what convinced you to drop them?
Your comment makes a difference. Please write directly in the blog where we can all enjoy the conversation. And if you want to add you input but not in a public format, then don’t be shy—hit Reply and share it with me personally.
Thank you for taking the time to read, watch and respond.
Make yourself a fantastic spring day,
P.S. It’s been 10 weeks since we launched UpsideDown Parenting. I’m grateful to have you on board and so honored that you’ve been taking the time to watch the videos!! I take it to mean that you are inspired by the uncommon answers that I provide common parenting issues.:)