Fellow parent,
Let’s not compete for martyrdom by comparing the hours of sleep we’ve missed.
Instead, let’s lift each other up with loving commiseration over the hard work we each do.
Let’s not insinuate that some parents are lucky to have children who sleep well, eat well, behave…
Instead, let’s acknowledge that it is hard work and intention, not luck, that bring success.
Let’s not be bothered by people who dismiss our concerns as insignificant and tell us that parenting only gets harder.
We need to support each other through the tough times right now. Let’s remind each other that the rewards of childrearing make the drudgery worthwhile.
Let’s withhold judgment of each other’s parenting and avoid giving advice on how to do it better.
Instead, let’s respect that we’re each doing the best that we can and accept that our parenting styles differ.
Let’s not boast about our children under the guise of ‘humble-bragging.’ The insinuation of superiority is obvious and insulting.
Instead, let’s acknowledge the greatness in every child and celebrate their imperfections.
Let’s not talk about how our children make us crazy.
Instead, let’s tell each other how we’ve cried from disappointment in our own parenting behavior, and together, let’s figure out a way to do it better.
Let’s not ever pretend that we’ve got it all together.
Let’s be honest and expose our vulnerability so that we might learn to accept ourselves, and each other, more authentically.
Let’s not play that broken record called “I have no time to myself”.
Let’s choose to sing about how we had the courage to say ‘no’ to the ones we care for, in order to care for ourselves.
Let’s not line our parenting path with comparison and criticism. It’s not a competition.
Let’s just be parents, traveling side by side, cheering each other on.
Chaos & Clarity 