Embracing 'Parent Doubt' & Navigating Parenthood with Confidence

smccue — Wed, 29 May 2024 13:59:14 +0000

smccue Wed, 05/29/2024 - 09:59

Attention parents, can we have a moment of real talk? Let's dive into something we all know too well: parent doubt. Yep, that nagging feeling that sneaks up on us, making us question every decision we make. But guess what? You're not alone in this rollercoaster ride of doubts and uncertainties.

First things first, it's okay to doubt yourself sometimes. Parenting is like walking through a maze blindfolded while juggling flaming torches—it's chaotic, unpredictable, and downright messy. From wondering if you're feeding them the right food to questioning your discipline methods, parent doubt can creep in at any moment, leaving us feeling like we're not quite measuring up.

But here's the thing… doubt doesn't mean you're failing as a parent. In fact, it's a sign that you care deeply about your child's well-being and want to do your best for them. So, instead of letting doubt consume you, why not embrace it as a natural part of the parenting journey?

One way to combat the doubt is by building a support network of fellow parents who understand the struggle firsthand. Whether it's through online forums, parent groups, or good old-fashioned coffee dates, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide invaluable reassurance and perspective.

Another helpful strategy is to cut yourself some slack and trust your instincts. Spoiler alert: there's no one-size-fits-all manual for parenting. What works for one family might not work for another, and that's perfectly okay. So, give yourself permission to make mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward.

And let's not forget about self-care. Yes, we know it sounds cliché, but hear us out. Taking time to recharge your own batteries is crucial for maintaining your sanity amidst the chaos of mom life. Whether it's a bubble bath, a solo walk in nature, or simply indulging in your favorite guilty pleasure TV show, carving out moments of me-time can help silence the doubt monster lurking in the shadows.

So, to all the parents out there wrestling with doubt, just trying to survive the days and nights, remember this: you are stronger, braver, and more capable than you give yourself credit for. Every hardship is a phase, trust in your journey, embrace the ups and downs, and know that you're doing an amazing job—even on those days when doubt tries to tell you otherwise. The most important nugget to remember is that your child(ren) will love you no matter what!

Here's to embracing the parent doubt and navigating parenthood with confidence... you’ve got this! 💪🌟

The Art and Science Behind Disciplining Children

lba-admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 14:00:06 +0000

The Art and Science Behind Disciplining Children

lba-admin Thu, 03/07/2019 - 09:00

A Lot of Patience Will Bring Out the ‘Little Angel’ in Every Child. There’s a “Little Angel” in every child.

This can be hard to believe at times, especially when your child is screaming on the floor of the grocery store simply because you won’t buy frozen pizzas shaped like jungle animals.

While all children act out, they also demonstrate positive behaviors. Why is it that these more angelic traits often come out in the privacy of our homes or cars when no one is around to admire your wonderful parenting skills?

But don’t lose heart! Remember, discipline helps your child develop the skills necessary to behave in an acceptable manner even when you’re not around. Just as children develop inappropriate behaviors, they can also develop good ones. As parents, it’s our job to help children understand the difference between right and wrong and make positive choices as often as possible.

So how do you change the not-so-nice behavior into the kind of behavior that would make your mother proud? With time, patience and consistency! It can be difficult for busy working parents, but I promise the efforts will be worth it. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Really watch and listen to your child.Do you see a pattern associated with the behavior? Most often children misbehave when they are tired, hungry or expected to sit for long periods of time. This is very similar with adults. First, ask yourself if your expectations are appropriate. This will help set your child up for future success.

Look at your own behavior and expectations. Acting as a role model is the greatest way for your child to learn. What are your true behaviors in the same situations? What are your individual, family and cultural levels of tolerance or acceptance? Reflect on this and make any necessary changes to your behaviors.

Remember that your child is still learning to control their emotions and actions. There have certainly been a lot of times when I’ve wanted to lay down at the checkout aisle of the grocery store and kick and scream. I just stop myself… so far.

Guide your child’s behavior. Set clear, realistic and age-appropriate limits and expectations. Determine expectations by emphasizing safety, respect and responsibility. Use redirection to encourage positive behavior and logical consequences to guide inappropriate behavior. Encourage, support and praise self-control and efforts of self-control. And, be consistent.

When it comes to reacting to your child’s behavior, make sure you respond immediately and consistently. Stop what you are doing and go to your child and speak to them at eye level. Use your natural tone of voice and be positive, but also firm. You can validate your child’s feelings, but in simple terms, also explain what he did wrong and what you want him to do differently.

Also, make sure you do not shame or humiliate your child. Don’t call your child “bad” or indicate that they, rather than the behavior, is the problem. Moralizing or letting too much personal anger, frustration and emotion show can be confusing to your child and can distract from the lesson at hand. And this may go without saying, but you should avoid bribing your child or making false threats.

Remember to build on your child’s success by being positive, patient and consistent. Let them know that you love them and that it’s okay to make mistakes. You make them every day! By following these simple tips, you’ll see that your “Little Angel” will slowly emerge.