The Parenting Mirror: Reflecting, Recalibrating, and Soaring
Remember that moment when you became a parent? It's like someone snuck in and upgraded your life's operating system, giving you a fresh perspective and an entirely new set of priorities.
Suddenly, those all-nighter’s dancing your worries away transformed into all-night baby soothing sessions. Your thoughts went from "What movie should we watch tonight?" to "How many nappies are left?” And “Whose turn is it to do the dream feed?”
In the blink of an eye, your world recalibrated itself from 'me' to 'we.'
Parenthood nudges us to recalibrate our lives, priorities, and perspectives. We're no longer just responsible for our own shenanigans; we're steering a ‘mini-me’ through the chaos of life and this transformation seems to hold a giant mirror up to our very essence. Suddenly, those quirks and habits you once found cute, start to raise an eyebrow.
The mirror doesn't lie! And it can shine a spotlight on your behaviour in the most unexpected ways.
Ever caught yourself using your own mother's "because I said so" tone during a discussion with your mini-me? Guilty as charged! Who knew I could replicate her "because I said so" tone so perfectly!!
It's incredible how parenting reveals our echoes of the past, reminding us that the apple might not fall far from the tree.
But fear not, for catching yourself in these moments is the first step toward change and growth.
Instead of burying your head in a sandbox (tempting, I know), embrace these revelations and accept the universe’s personal invitation to upgrade yourself. Because let’s face it, if we can't laugh at the chaos, we might just end up crying in a corner somewhere (probably while holding a sippy cup). A little giggle can transform the "I can't believe I just did that" into "Well, that was a learning experience.”
Embracing the parenting mirror means finding the humour in our quirks and vulnerabilities. Next time you're about to deliver the same stern lecture your dad used to give you, hit the pause button. Take a deep breath, and add a sprinkle of empathy. After all, you're not just parenting your kids; you're nurturing your inner child too.
And after listening to The Imperfects Podcast with Osher Günsberg last week, I couldn’t agree more with his words:
"If you're not challenged as a parent and you're not adjusting as the kids grow, you're missing out on the whole point of being a parent."
In my journey, parenting my three mini’s, I've learned that parenting isn't about standing still; it's about constant adjustment. There's always a new stage, a fresh eye-opening discovery, and a new mountain to climb and we need to accept those invitations to grow, to shed our old skin, and to show our kids that change is not just okay; it's essential.
While the parenting mirror might not have been on your wish list, view it as a unique gift. You'll catch glimpses of your past, echoes of your ancestors, and have an extraordinary chance to continuously re-shape a future.
Let the mirror guide you through this wild, wonderful journey. You're evolving as a person, a partner, and a parent. Find joy in the reflection, recalibrate with a splash of humour, and see yourself in a whole new light.
