Has anyone else noticed that the pandemic is exposing—and exacerbating—some of the major paradoxes of parenting??
For example, it’s ALWAYS true that raising our children is the most beautiful, precious work... AND the most challenging & depleting. We love it with every cell of our being, and yes, there are moments when we dread it. . But NOW? It’s like that paradox is on steroids.
For me, the past couple of weeks have forced me to draw deep from my well of resilience. I thought I was just hitting a personal wall... but interestingly, I heard from many other parents that they were too. How about you?
If you’re feeling this paradox deeply these days, I want you to do this: say to yourself (or even out loud) the paradox you’re feeling. Name BOTH sides of it. (For example, today I said: “I really don’t want to do this today... AND, I’m SO grateful that I can”).
Both are true. Both are valid. When I name them BOTH, I’m not hiding from my pain behind false positivity. But I’m also not failing to recognize and feel my deep gratitude for our safety, our love and our joy. I’m just giving myself my complete, honest truth. . When we can be honest about the paradox, it somehow feels a little lighter.
And it’s only then—when we can live with our own paradoxes—that we can teach our children how to understand and live with theirs. 💙💙 .
What’s true for you today?
#optimalbraingrowth #growingbrains #yogaforgrowingbrains #behonest #strengthandresilience #skillfulparenting #parenting #pandemic #dcparents #dckids #youarenotalone #imhereforyou