Parenting is a crazy roller coaster filled with highs and lows, unexpected turns and a sigh of relief or a jolt for more when things end! No matter what your experience has been, just remember that you’re not alone. Somewhere out there someone has experienced what you have, no matter how strange or unique the experience.
Like when you chose a natural birth free of drugs but had an epidural, followed by a c-section. Our birthing plans don’t always seem to go the way we want. So whether you choose a c-section from the get go or chose to have a home birth assisted by a midwife or chose to give birth at the hospital by a Doctor, remember…
You’re not alone mom!
When your daughter was born but you didn’t feel “love at first sight” or when they sent you home with your son and you felt so helpless and lost. When your hormones were going crazy and you had no idea how you would be taking care of your newborn when you could barely take care of yourself physically, emotionally and mentally. Remember…
You’re not alone mom!
When you wanted to breastfeed but no matter how hard you tried, it didn’t work for you. Or whether you choose to give formula from the start but kept on being told that “breast is best.” Or when you kept breastfeeding your kid way past 2 years of age, remember…
You’re not alone mom!
When you didn’t feed your infant child food that you made from scratch or organic food. Or when you fed them sugary food before they turned a year old. Or when you feed your older kids fast food weekly because you can’t think of what to make or had the energy to cook! Remember…
You’re not alone mom!
When you had a strict nap schedule and had to leave a get-together to get home to put your son in his crib or when you had to miss out on family dinners because of your daughter’s early bed time. Remember…
You’re not alone mom!
When you decided to sleep train your kid at 6 months and letting her cry it out was the best method. When you decided to co-sleep and it ended up lasting eight plus years. Remember…
You’re not alone mom!
When you wanted to stay at home with the kids after mat leave but couldn’t afford to do it financially. When you couldn’t wait to get back to work shortly after having your son and felt guilty for not wanting to stay home with your child. Remember…
You’re not alone mom!
When you yelled at your kid for the 100th time for not picking up their toys off the floor, only to feel terrible about it after they were in bed for the night. When you didn’t listen to your kid talk to you because you were busy on your phone. When you said “later” to playing or reading to your kid because you just needed some alone time. Remember…
You’re not alone mom!
When you’re at your wits ends, your head hurts, and you just need a moment (or two) to yourself, and you got the TV or your phone to babysit your kids for more than hour (even two). Remember…
You’re not alone mom!
Parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about trial and error, learning, growing and moving on. Just when we think we have things “figured out”, we’re faced with a new situation or phase. There is no right way, just YOUR way. Doing things the right way for you, your child and your family.
So give yourself a break for the decisions you made, whether by choice or by circumstance. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and it shouldn’t. It differs from one parent to the next and from child to child. We do all have something collective though – we all love our kids unconditionally and always strive to do our best. No matter what your experience or feelings are, just remember, YOU’RE NOT ALONE MOM!