As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of life. We worry so much about bathing, feeding, and all the other details of taking care of our children that sometimes we forget parenting should also be special and even fun. After all, you’re raising this amazing, unique individual. It should be a special time in your life, and not just be something you’re trying to survive from one day to the next.
If you’re not enjoying being a parent or are feeling unfulfilled in your life at this crucial time, it might be time for a personal transformation. Try these techniques to get yourself started.
Relax
There’s no perfect way to parent, and yes, you will make mistakes. Worrying all the time about getting things exactly right is only going to drive you crazy. There’s a lot to be said for learning to let go of the things you can’t control.
Forgive Mistakes
Okay, so you screwed up. It happens. Part of the transformation process involves studying mistakes to see what you can learn from them. Once you have this lesson, though, it’s time to forgive yourself and move on. Holding onto the past is only going to hurt you.
Embrace Routines
Children thrive when they know what to expect next. So, while surprises and randomness can be fun sometimes, everyone will do better with a routine – yourself included. Establishing certain patterns for starting the day or bedtime will help you relax and feel more confident about what you’re doing too.
Quit Comparing
Looking at what others are doing and listing all the ways you don’t measure up will only drive you crazy. Everyone is different.
Play
Your children won’t remember every lunch you pack or how they always had clean laundry. They will remember the good times they had with you. Take time to play with them. Use these opportunities to savor each milestone as they grow. Look for things you can especially enjoy with them by introducing them to the things you love most. Show them your favorite food or the best place to catch fish.
Don’t Forget You
You can’t take care of anyone else if you’re not taking care of yourself first. Make sure you’re not skipping meals. Get enough sleep. Then, when you can, don’t forget the things you’re passionate about. It feeds the soul to do something you love sometimes and helps you remember you’re still a person too.
Love
No matter what, the first thing you need to remember is just how much these tiny beings need you. Embrace being a parent. Love your children. Love what you’re doing. All this is part of the transformation process too.
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