Bern Morely takes a look at parenting mantras and decides whether they are truthful or baloney.
Parenting is a tough gig. From the minute your beautiful little baby is born right up until they finally leave your care and become independent, you are forever second guessing yourself and wondering if you are getting it right.
Recently I came across an article discussing ‘Parenting Mantras’ which were and are essentially quotes to inspire you, the parent to be a better parent. And whilst I agree with them all (well most all), I thought I might interpret them a little…
1. This too shall pass.
Well yeah, most everything DOES pass. Usually, rapidly through a toddler who doesn’t wash his hands after going to the toilet. Seriously though, most every difficult period of time or phase in a child’s life does pass. Granted, it usually only goes on to be replaced by a much worse, much more difficult passage of time in their lives, one that will make you long for the days when your biggest problem was having mashed pumpkin spat in your hair, but it most definitely, will pass. The good news is, eventually you will look back fondly on this trying time. Whether it be a surly teen or a wilful 2 year old, before you know it, they’ll have moved onto that phase in their little lives where they no longer need you quite as much and you’ll have forgotten all about how gruelling today was.
2. I have enough. I do enough. I am enough.
Ooooh, can we really say we ever have enough chocolate? Or cheese? Honestly though guys, we do, in this modern society, have more than enough. Enough technology, enough furniture, enough toys, you name it we all now own it. Plus, you seriously do, do enough. There are only so many hours in a day and you know what? If that cup has to sit unwashed on the sink because you want to sit down for a few more rounds of Uno or kick back on the couch, then don’t sweat it.