Parenting and Family life

The Parenting Truths No One Talks About The Hard Parenting Truths No One Talks About Parenting is incredibly rewarding, but it is also challenging. We set expectations for ourselves, and society adds even more pressure to be perfect. With countless books and advice available on parenting, it can feel overwhelming. Each of us encounters unique experiences and moments of frustration. There are days when we doubt ourselves, wondering, “Are we doing enough?” You are not alone; every parent experiences similar feelings but may hesitate to express them for fear of being judged. Our feelings are valid and should be normalised. I will share some of these struggles and ways to cope. We don’t need to be perfect parents; instead, we should aim to improve daily. 1. Wanting Alone Time As A Parent  The unspoken expectation in our society is that parents must always be engaged and available whenever their children need them. However, seeking alone time is not selfish; it is essential for our well-being. Taking time for ourselves helps us recharge and makes us better parents. Parenting can be both emotionally and physically demanding. We need to normalize taking breaks, whether these mean enjoying a few minutes of uninterrupted silence, reading a book, or a moment of peace. By doing this, we also teach our children the importance of self-care. Prioritising your needs is essential; exhausted parents cannot give their best to their families, especially to their children. Remember, you are a wonderful parent, worthy of rest and rejuvenation. 2. The Fear of Not Being A Good Enough Parent. It is fine to worry about parenting, and your concerns reflect how much you care. Occasionally, feeling guilty can motivate us to strive for better parenting. While we may not achieve perfection, we can aim for a good enough approach. Guilt can lead us to recognise areas that need improvement or prompt a change in our approaches. 3. Getting Impatient as a Parent Nobody wakes up intending to be angry or frustrated. We all start the day with intentions, aiming to be loving and gentle. However, making mistakes is part of parenting and personal growth. When these mistakes happen, our focus should be on repairing the situation.  Apologising to your children when you have wronged them doesn’t indicate weakness; instead, it teaches them an important lesson about relationships and strength. 4. Meal Planning Meal planning can be a challenge, especially when dealing with picky eaters. While having a meal plan is helpful, it is important to allow for some flexibility. Our goal should be to provide children with healthy meals that are manageable and not overwhelming. 5 . Missing Who We Were Before Kids Becoming parents can be more challenging than it seems. Parenting changes everything about you. You start learning more about yourself. Parenting will test you on all sides; you don’t have to feel guilty about it. We will have to lose parts of ourselves to gain so much. Learning to adjust to a new version of yourself is a gift. 6. Not in The Mood To Play With your Children It’s normal to occasionally not feel like playing, as long as it doesn’t happen regularly. We can’t entertain our children all the time. Being present and playful is beneficial, but stepping back and allowing your children to play without us is even better. Communicating our request honestly builds trust and strengthens our bonds. You should not feel guilty for needing personal time; parenting is a marathon, not a sprint! Why This Matters Admitting these feelings doesn’t mean we are failing; it means we are human. We are real, and we are doing our best in a role that is both demanding and beautiful.   If you have ever experienced these thoughts, know this: You are not alone; you are enough. Let us permit ourselves to be imperfect, to laugh at the chaos, and to support one another on this wild and wonderful journey of parenthood.   We all have moments in parenting that can feel overwhelming and hesitant to share. What is a parenting confession you have been holding back?  You are not alone in this; please feel free to leave a comment below.

Why Quality Matters Over Quantity In Parenting As parents, we frequently deal with a never-ending list of duties, including raising our children, working, and fulfilling social commitments. Among all of these, parents often ask themselves, “Am I spending enough time with my children?” How much quality time do we spend with our kids? We sometimes confuse quantity for quality because we think spending much time with our children will make us feel good. The truth is, the number of hours is not what counts, but the connection with them. What is Quality time? It simply means being physically and emotionally present. It allows us to absorb the moment, connect, talk, listen, and engage in our children’s activities. This, in turn, builds strong bonds between parents and children. I used to do this until I discovered a more effective method of developing heart-to-heart relationships with my kids. I deliberately set my phone aside to be present with them. I do that to keep our bonding periods free from interruptions and distractions. Why Should You Choose Quality Over Quantity? Quality time with children helps them become emotionally intelligent by teaching love, kindness, empathy, and self-expression. Spending time with your children creates lasting memories, showing them love and that they matter. Engage with them by reading their favourite books, holding conversations, and sharing their jokes. Building trust forms the foundation of meaningful relationships. Spending time with children communicates safety and trust, helping them grow into confident adults. How Can We Prioritise Quality Time? Share in their activities—like their games, unstructured play, and reading their favourite books with them. Be present; give your children your undivided attention by listening emphatically when they speak. Our children will not remember the expensive gifts or vacations. They will rather enjoy the memories they make with us, such as the frequent hugs, bedtime stories, family game time, and movie nights. Summary Creating meaningful memories and being both physically and emotionally present can strengthen your bonds with your children, helping to boost their confidence. Do you feel guilty about not spending enough quality time with them? There is no need to feel that way. Remember, we are all here to grow and support one another. If you haven’t started creating memories, now is the perfect time. Give your children your undivided attention, engage in their activities, and consistently show them through your words and actions that they matter.  “The stories we create today will shape who our children will become in the future.”.