GUILT.
An emotion. A voice. A feeling.
We all experience it on our parenting journey, in one way or another. It's like the Jedi mind trick that makes you believe you could have prevented the tantrum in the cereal aisle with more effective Jedi mind tricks.
You with me?????
But you see, it doesn’t have to be so daunting if we add a touch of humor to lighten the mood. The reality is, the guilt roller coaster has its twists and turns at every age and stage of parenting. So injecting humor into the sticky situations can be your secret weapon, a lightsaber of levity in the face of the parenting dark side.
Which is why I am sharing my lighthearted take (aka mind tricks) on dealing with the parenting guilt that haunts your quiet moments...
Practice Self-Kindness:
Treat yourself like you would treat your toddler after a meltdown - with snacks, a hug and a nap. Parenting is challenging, and everyone makes mistakes. You can always reset and repair when you're ready.
Be Real:
Remember, you're a parent, not a superhero. Leave the cape at home; yoga pants are much more practical. And ask for help or take the help when you need it.
Celebrate Wins:
Celebrate parenting victories like you've won an Oscar. Cue the dramatic music and give your acceptance speech in front of the bathroom mirror. No joke - keep it light, be fun, and do this for the kids too. We all deserve to feel like we’re a big deal.
Mistakes Happen:
Mistakes are the new black - they never go out of style. Embrace them, learn from them, then flaunt them with pride so we can benefit from the lesson, too.
Prioritize Survival:
Self-care is not a luxury; it's a survival strategy. Sneak chocolate, go for a run, and hide in the closet if you must - whatever it takes to recharge those parental batteries helps you be a better parent overall.
Seek Support:
Parenting is like a sitcom. Gather your ensemble cast of friends, compare notes, and laugh about the absurdity of it all.
Let Go of Perfection:
Perfection is so last season. Embrace the messy bun and AirTag your car keys. What matters most is the effort you put into being a loving and supportive parent. That is all.
Forgive Yourself
Forgive yourself faster than you forgive your friend for spilling red wine on the carpet. We're all on this crazy, parenting journey together.
Stay Present:
Be present like a toddler in a toy store. Engage in the moment, get excited about the little things, and, for the love of all that is holy, stir the imaginary tea cup when your child hands it to you.
Be Yourself:
No two snowflakes are alike, no two parents are identical. Embrace your quirks, flaws, and unique parenting style. You're not a broken toy that needs fixing; you're a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, and your uniqueness adds color to the canvas of your family life.
Now really, why is this all so important? Because sometimes you have to laugh, or you'll cry. And let's face it, laughter is a lot more fun!
But actually, when we support ourselves as parents, we're essentially strengthening our emotional and mental armor, expanding our capacity to handle those unexpected moments with more grace and resilience. Plus, the bonus of demonstrating self-compassion is that we become powerful role models for our kids. They witness firsthand that it's okay to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow stronger.
With that - May the parenting force be with you, and may your sense of humor be stronger than any guilt mind tricks!! 😝
From a mama that’s got your back,
Lauren