Waiting at a light, in the midst of my three-hour adventure to get all my kids to their daily destinations this morning, I saw a tiny head peek out the window of the truck in front of me and start throwing up into the 30 degree wind. My heart went out to her and her father as the light turned green, he accelerated, and she started up again, mostly making it out the window. Hoping this father was of the loving sort and not of the “blow-your-top” sort, I followed closely in case they might need intervention. But to my relief, the father pulled over, jumped out, and, with deep concern on his face, ran around to help his little girl. Definitely of the loving sort.
We parents sure do have our hands full, don’t we? In the past 24 hours alone I have dealt with ear infections, conferences, nightmares, learning struggles, trouble with friends, major spills, arguing teens, neglected pets, sleep disturbances, fears, and driving with my oldest who just got his permit. But, in the past 24 hours I have also experienced hugs, kisses, triumphs, talents in bloom, “You’re the best mom in the world,” pleases, thank-you’s, twirling ballerinas, swooshing hoops and “I love you more than the brightness of all the stars in all the universe.” This is being a parent—highs and lows and everything in between. Oh, the things we do out of love for our children! But oh, the joy and love they bring to us!
That’s why we do what we do—because we love them. And as I drove past that father this morning, his love for his daughter filled me and I thought: “Wow. Parents are amazing.” The things we do are amazing. I know we don’t often feel like we’re doing anything amazing, but we are; it’s the simplest little details that make it so. Each week in our postpartum adjustment group, even though the moms are sleep-deprived and working to overcome postpartum depression or anxiety, they are still doing what needs to be done. They are caring for their babies and concerned about their development. They are getting up all night, being patient with the day, and loving their children. Rocking a sick child? Amazing. Giving yourself a time-out when you’re about to lose it with your teenager? Amazing. Playing dress up even when you’re exhausted? Amazing. Kissing each child good night? Amazing. Just being there? Amazing.
Parents are amazing. If you’re a parent, repeat it to yourself until you believe. If you know a parent, tell them, “Wow. You’re amazing.” We all need a little encouragement in this crazy work we’re trying to do. We all need a little reminder that we are doing the work no matter how crazy it gets and that is pretty amazing.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.drchristinahibbert.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/square-head-shot1.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Clinical Psychologist, Mom of 6, Postpartum Couples DVD Producer, Non-Profit Founder, and expert on Parenting, Women’s Emotions, Pregnancy & Postpartum, and Grief & Loss, Dr. Christina Hibbert loves songwriting, learning, and teaching what she learns. Learn and Grow with Dr. Hibbert and her community of really great people![/author_info] [/author]
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