I originally posted this in June, but due to 'life' I never finished the second part. So I am re-posting this and posting the 2nd part tomorrow.
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Over the last several months, I have had various conversations with friends about parenting. We have talked about the joys our children have brought us and also about what our lives would be like if we had not taken on the role of parent (more time, more money, less stress, less love). These conversations, along with comments recently made to Michaela, have had me thinking about myself as a parent~~~ a lot. And after much self evaluation, I have come to a conclusion.
Sometimes....I hate being a parent!
And while I do not enjoy the bickering and arguing or the attitude and disdain, the dislike does not stem from these behaviors. My feelings of disdain comes from the magnitude of responsibility that raising children entails! We, as parents, have been entrusted with the nurturing, educating, disciplining, and spiritual and emotional well~being of these little souls. We, as mommy and daddy, are responsible for forming their knowledge base and value system from infancy! We, as mom and dad, create the foundation for what they will make of themselves as the grow and mature!
And...the responsibility is frightening!
Doubt, second guessing, and regret often follow decisions. Discipline often ends with "What ifs." and "I shouldn't haves." We continually question "Am I being too strict?", "Am I pushing too hard?", or "Do I expect too much?" as we make choices or give encouragement. Our task as parents is daunting. The ramifications of our choices, whether good or bad, will shape and mold the character of our children for the rest of their lives.
And that...is overwhelming!
Several months ago, Michaela was told that I......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over the last several months, I have had various conversations with friends about parenting. We have talked about the joys our children have brought us and also about what our lives would be like if we had not taken on the role of parent (more time, more money, less stress, less love). These conversations, along with comments recently made to Michaela, have had me thinking about myself as a parent~~~ a lot. And after much self evaluation, I have come to a conclusion.
Sometimes....I hate being a parent!
And while I do not enjoy the bickering and arguing or the attitude and disdain, the dislike does not stem from these behaviors. My feelings of disdain comes from the magnitude of responsibility that raising children entails! We, as parents, have been entrusted with the nurturing, educating, disciplining, and spiritual and emotional well~being of these little souls. We, as mommy and daddy, are responsible for forming their knowledge base and value system from infancy! We, as mom and dad, create the foundation for what they will make of themselves as the grow and mature!
And...the responsibility is frightening!
Doubt, second guessing, and regret often follow decisions. Discipline often ends with "What ifs." and "I shouldn't haves." We continually question "Am I being too strict?", "Am I pushing too hard?", or "Do I expect too much?" as we make choices or give encouragement. Our task as parents is daunting. The ramifications of our choices, whether good or bad, will shape and mold the character of our children for the rest of their lives.
And that...is overwhelming!
Several months ago, Michaela was told that I......
