Let's think about this for a minute. In order to drive a car, you have to get a driver's permit, take a class, clock so many practice hours on the road, pass a written test, pass an actual on the road test, show identification, get car insurance...whew! In order to become a parent...well, egg has to meet sperm. That's it. Which is not to downplay the heartbreaking journey to get pregnant for those who struggle with infertility. My heart goes out to you. And for those who have planned to become parents, you no doubt have spent time dreaming about what parenting would be like, and what your future children would be like.
Let's be real. Throw those dreams out of the window. Because as amazing as it is to have and to raise children, it is twice as hard. Maybe 100 times as hard. You might not have planned for an infant who has GERD. Or Colic. Or a genetic malformation. Or Autism. You probably had no idea how exhausting, how time consuming, how physically and emotionally draining it would be to be a parent.
Because being a parent is a 24/7 job. I know it is hard to believe but those little darlings never go away! And there will be some days when you know you are rocking it, and there will be some days that you will wonder if your kids are better off with someone else taking care of them, and that is okay!
And I know that many of you want to kick butt at being a parent. But here's a secret: In order to be an amazing parent, you need to become your best self first. I know, it sounds counter intuitive. Society tries to convince us that we need to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of our children. I call bullshit. Parents need to take care of themselves. Once someone is actively working on becoming their best self, they can become a great parent (or aunt or uncle or grandparent or godparent, etc). And great parents will raise great kids. And great kids will grow up to do great things. And that is how we can change the world. Yes. We. Can.
When it comes to parenting, there is enough success to go around. Not everyone can become a professional athlete, or win a Grammy, or make a phenomenal chocolate cake. But everyone has the ability to become a great parent. Every. Single. Person. So stay strong Mommies and Daddies. You are NOT alone!!! The work is hard, but the outcome is so worth it. Thank you for allowing us to be along for the journey.
