You Are Not the Only One

You Are Not the Only One

We can all admit that being a parent is hard work! It’s not only physically exhausting but emotionally and spiritually. You might have heard from other parents about how difficult it will be or the complete opposite, they tell you that it’s super easy. But no matter any parents opinion about raising a child, it will have its challenges. This doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate being a parent, nor does it mean that we don’t love our children. It is just a hard fact that most of us don’t admit to others.

When we see each other in passing, say at our child's pre-school, we might greet each other by asking, “How are you?” and more than likely we answer, “I’m doing good.” But the real truth is that we woke up late this morning, quickly dressed our child in clothes that may have been worn the other day, and fed the kiddos powdered doughnuts and chocolate milk.

I’ll say it again, it is hard being a parent! We want the best for them, we want them to be great adult human beings that contribute positively to society and who later raise great human beings of their own. We will stress our selves out trying to be the perfect parents to our children and the outside world. We make sure they eat healthy meals, read more and watch less television, get to bed early, we make sure they leave the house bathed and dressed in their best, we stress about how messy our homes are, and how our children behave outside of the home when others are watching.

The reality is is that being a parent comes with conflicting emotions. We try to find time to socialize with other adults, struggle to find time for me-time. And later fell guilty that that time wasn’t spent with the children. It is hare to find time for anything. Our days are spent caring for our children, busy doing housework, or at work. Nights are spent getting the family ready for the next day.

Like I said before, just because we feel this way doesn’t mean we don’t love or care less about our kids. I don’t want to sound negative or a Debbie Downer. There are loving rewards to having children. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and know that it won’t last forever. There is a privilege to raising children, we just need to see beyond the late night feedings, the struggle of potty training, or the messy house. And you need to know that YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE!

Trust me, there is someone out there that knows and is going through the same struggle. There is someone out there thinking, “I have no idea what I'm doing.” You are not the only one who has piles of clothes in every room, feeds their kids cereal for dinner, forgets to bring snacks for their kids class. It is also okay to have me-time or a date night with your love. You need that time, you need to recharge and feel like you again. WITHOUT GUILT!

There is a Place

Just about every parent goes through what you are experiencing, it may be different, but we all go through it. It is important to remember you are not alone, you are not the only one going through this. The Open Door offers parenting classes for those looking for support, new ideas, or to share stories and offer advice. Visit us at www.supportopendoor.org to see all of the classes we have to offer or give us a call at 254-442-3000.