Endeavors of Being A Parent
After many years, finally a catch up! Our last meet was like 4 or 5 years ago, when we were still single — now we’re both married and moms of our beautiful boys. On this catch up episode, Saab generously shares her story on how she’s traversing parenthood with her toddlers while juggling her work, being a wife, and taking care of herself.
Key endeavors of being a parent
1) Nurturing and Supporting.
Parents have the important task of nurturing and supporting their children's physical, emotional, and mental development. This includes providing a loving and safe environment, meeting their basic needs, and offering guidance and encouragement as they navigate life's challenges.
2) Teaching and Educating.
Parents play a crucial role in educating their children and instilling important values, knowledge, and life skills. They teach them about kindness, empathy, responsibility, and help them develop a strong moral compass. Parents also support their children's education and encourage a love for learning.
3) Setting Boundaries and Discipline.
Parents establish boundaries and provide discipline to teach their children about appropriate behavior, responsibility, and consequences. They help children understand right from wrong, develop self-discipline, and learn to make wise choices.
4) Creating Family Traditions and Memories.
Parents create and nurture family traditions and memories that strengthen the bond between family members. These traditions can include celebrating holidays, participating in shared activities, and creating special moments that build a sense of belonging and unity.
5) Unconditional Love and Support.
Above all, parents provide their children with unconditional love and support. They are a constant source of love, encouragement, and acceptance. They celebrate their children's successes, stand by them during failures, and offer unwavering support throughout their lives.
Being a parent is a multifaceted and challenging endeavor. It requires dedication, patience, and continuous learning. However, the rewards of witnessing a child's growth, happiness, and success make it a deeply fulfilling and meaningful journey.
“You can’t be everything all at once. ”
How can we encourage other parents?
1) Express Appreciation.
Take the time to express your appreciation for the efforts parents put into raising their children. A simple "thank you" or specific words of praise can go a long way in boosting their morale and recognizing their commitment.
2) Offer Support.
Offer your support to parents in practical ways. This could include assisting with household chores, running errands, or providing childcare when needed. Showing up to help lightens their load and allows them to take some time for self-care or other responsibilities.
3) Celebrate Milestones.
Celebrate the milestones and achievements of both the children and the parents. Whether it's a child's first step, a parenting milestone, or an accomplishment in their personal lives, acknowledging and celebrating these moments helps parents feel valued and recognized.
4) Empower Their Decision-Making.
Respect parents' choices and decisions regarding their children. Encourage their autonomy and reassure them that they know their children best. Offer support in their decision-making process and provide information to help them make informed choices.
5) Be a Cheerleader.
Be a consistent source of encouragement and cheer on parents in their journey. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and remind them that their efforts matter and make a difference in their children's lives.
Remember, every parent's experience is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Tailor your support and encouragement to the individual needs and preferences of the parents you are interacting with. Your encouragement and support can have a lasting positive impact on parents as they navigate the joys and challenges of raising their children.
“Don’t think of rest as a waste of time. To rest is to restore. ”
From Episode 132 of Adulting with Joyce Pring: “Endeavors of Being A Parent”