Sometimes l look at myself and say, “Hey! You should know what to do! This is your area of expertise. You’re a Child & Family Health Nurse! What are you complaining about?”
“You should have the strength to be able to deal with these situations.”
“You have a Master’s degree, for goodness sake!”
Well you know what? No piece of paper is going to tell you how you will experience motherhood and parenting in today’s world because everyone is different. You are not going to know how you will parent until you parent. OK, you may have a lot of knowledge, which helps, but nothing prepares you for the emotional and physical rollercoaster that is parenting.
Tomorrow is another day and yes, I hope my four-year-old has a good sleep and wakes up happy. I hope my toddler is now feeling better and be able to be his cheerful little self. But if they are not, I know I will get through the day. It won’t be easy, but a time will come when I can go to bed and recharge.
Try and focus on what you are doing well and remember no parent is perfect.
Talk to other mums about your strengths as a parent and what skills you use to get through the day. We learn from each other and our experiences. It’s great when other parents validate how you are feeling and can relate. Try and focus on what you are doing well and remember no parent is perfect. Kids don’t want perfection. They have to learn about mistakes, wrong decisions and how to problem solve. This is what helps them get through life.
Be kind, have strength and give yourself a pat on the back because you are doing an amazing job. OK, OK, I’m telling myself that too!
Fiona Chapman is a mum of two beautiful boys aged 1 and 4, who also has extensive experience as a midwife and Child and Family Health Nurse. She is passionate about inspiring and empowering parents on their parenting journey in today’s world by sharing her knowledge and experiences. You can find her on her website Passionate Parenting, or follow her on Facebook.
