Growing Through Parenting Stress
I'm a parent of three young children. In one of my overseas trips, I felt a tug at my heart, wishing I had done more for them before I left. Or, there had been times in the past when I felt remorse at comments I made. I wished I could somehow take them back! I'd think of ways to make up or remedy previous neglects. It's never too late, I believe.
Here are some things I've learned and gained from going through the stress of being a parent:
* I learned patience, endurance, and sacrifice;
* I learned to tap into my unsuspecting strength within myself when I had to nurture my kids when I myself was sick or internally distressed;
* I learned I need to learn and practice empathy, for in trying to understand my child, I had to put my self in his or her place;
* I learned how to listen not just to my child's voice but also to his/her hidden feelings and thoughts;
* I learned to set aside what I prefer to see or hear from my child, so I can understand what he/she is expressing to me;
* I learned what responsibility means as a parent;
* I learned the joy of giving to my children without expecting any thing in return;
* I learned what God's love can do to shape me to be a better parent.
Yes, children can put stress on us. But it can also be one of the most rewarding and fruit-bearing experiences possible. Like you, I'm a parent. Both of us, we all, can grow through our children ... and the stress of parenting them.
Here are some things I've learned and gained from going through the stress of being a parent:
* I learned patience, endurance, and sacrifice;
* I learned to tap into my unsuspecting strength within myself when I had to nurture my kids when I myself was sick or internally distressed;
* I learned I need to learn and practice empathy, for in trying to understand my child, I had to put my self in his or her place;
* I learned how to listen not just to my child's voice but also to his/her hidden feelings and thoughts;
* I learned to set aside what I prefer to see or hear from my child, so I can understand what he/she is expressing to me;
* I learned what responsibility means as a parent;
* I learned the joy of giving to my children without expecting any thing in return;
* I learned what God's love can do to shape me to be a better parent.
Yes, children can put stress on us. But it can also be one of the most rewarding and fruit-bearing experiences possible. Like you, I'm a parent. Both of us, we all, can grow through our children ... and the stress of parenting them.
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