Why Parenting is Hard: Exploring a Parents Duties

Truth is, parenting is hard, don't let anyone tell you differently, but it is all worth it and so rewarding. Just look at that baby in the picture, isn't she adorable. Who wouldn't want one of those. 

No one is born knowing how to be a parent however, when you do become one, you somehow know instinctively what to do. Plus, you may read books, articles, go to workshops etc. etc..

Parenting is Hard #1 - The Lesson of Sacrifice:

One of the initial lessons parenthood teaches you is about sacrifice.
No more spontaneous outings or uninterrupted nights of sleep.

Instead, you find yourself getting up in the wee hours to soothe your crying baby or sitting at the kitchen table bleary eyed while helping with last minute homework.

Being a parent involves making sacrifices in so many ways—like prioritizing all of your child's needs over your own for starters or setting aside any personal interests to focus strictly on family time.

Parenting is Hard #2 - 24/7 Responsibility:

Parenting means being on call 24/7, with no breaks or time off, well, except the little bit of time you need to take for yourself.

As infants, you will have night feedings, diaper changes and then you will have to get them back to sleep.

When they are unwell, you're the one who stays up all night checking on their temperature and administering medication.

And that’ s just at night, let's not overlook the never ending list of daily responsibilities—changing diapers, toilet training, bath time, cooking healthy meals, setting rules and boundaries, dealing with tantrums and on and on.

As they get older, making sure that they're dressed appropriately for the weather, driving them to extra curricular activities and managing the bedtime chaos, and there's more.

It's a continuous balancing act that demands patience and organizational abilities.

Parenting is Hard #3 - The Ride of Emotions:

Parenthood is like a roller coaster of emotions, with highs and lows that can bring moments of pure joy followed by utter exhaustion.

You witness the magic of your child taking their first steps, hear they're contagious laughter and feel their small arms wrapping around you in a hug.

But alongside the highs come inevitable lows—the temper tantrums, the emotional breakdowns and those heart wrenching instances when you can't shield them from life's hardships.

Parenting is Hard #4 - Learning Patience

Parenting is Hard #5 - Learning to Release Control:

As parents, our natural instinct is to shield our children from pain and disappointment. However, we soon realize that it's impossible to protect them from every hardship.

I kid you not, one of the hardest lessons of parenting is learning to let go and allow them to navigate their own journey. It means watching them make mistakes and fail all while resisting the urge to get involved.

It requires striking a delicate balance between providing guidance and granting them the space to mature and learn independently.

Parenting is Hard #6 - Discovering Your Inner Strength Through Vulnerability:

Parenthood has a unique way of bringing forth your deepest fears and doubts. From the moment you step into the shoes of a parent, you question whether you are doing things right.

Regularly doubting the choices you make, often wondering if you'll ever measure up to the impossible standards set by society.

Yet among this self doubt and unease, you uncover an inner strength— “you boldly go where no man has ever gone” (just kidding). Sorry about that, I was just reading an article about William Shatner earlier today.

In reality though, you will definitely find yourself being able to face any challenges with bravery and determination.

In conclusion, without a shadow of a doubt, parenting is hard, it can be one of life's most demanding roles. You will experience sleepless nights and endless responsibilities.

Don’t forget those moments of questioning yourself or second guessing yourself or simply going with your gut. Things that work with one child may not work with another.

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