Lemons & Lemonade
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
There's a saying that goes "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." What great advice for the role of parenthood. During pregnancy you may have envisioned what parenthood would bring: endless hugs and kisses, the joy of the simplest things, and seeing the world through the eyes of a child.
Yes, it's been that and so much more: sleepless nights, challenging behaviors, and lots and lots of diapers.
There may be moments you feel overwhelmed. Tired. You may even wonder what you have gotten yourself into. Then comes a moment of magic with your child and the world is right again.
This is parenthood.
It is the toughest job you will ever love. It's a job that is 24/7 for the rest of your life. It is a job that is worth the investment of time and money. What could you do that is possibly more important? This is your legacy.
How do you keep going when the going gets tough? It's all about the attitude - your attitude that is.
- Keep it positive. Remember, even in the most challenging moments, "this too shall pass."
- Keep it in perspective. Spilled milk, poop, and even the worst tantrums are small potatoes compared to the bigger challenges in life.
- Use your resources. Your child needs you. You may need help at times. It is okay to ask for what you need when you need it. This does not make you a failure. It makes you a good manager of your life and of your family.
- Laugh. Laugh. Laugh. Often and much. We all need a good sense of humor to get along in the world. Parenthood is no different.
- Make time for fun. It's true, all work and no play, makes a dull boy (or girl, or lady and man). From the simplest picnic to picking flowers, children don't need extravagant outings; they just need time with you. And you need times like these with your child.
- Take a break. Use your partner, a friend, or hire a caregiver. You love your child, but everyone also needs time to step away from routines and responsibility. Don't feel guilty. Know that a happy, healthy adult has a much better chance of raising a happy, healthy kid.
- Enjoy the ride and savor each moment - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Just as your pregnancy passed in the blink of any eye, your baby will soon be a toddler and your toddler a preschooler and so on and so on. Enjoy each age and stage and hold on tight. Parenthood is quite the ride.
