Being a parent is one of the most ridiculously challenging things there is in our existence, and although it is a personal choice, if committed to, it can lead to both physical and mental exhaustion.
Needless to say, every parent wishes only the best for their offspring – however, the little ones enter this world without a manual, meaning that you're just going to have to wing it.
It so happens that most folks, whether they're still expecting or have already welcomed their precious babies, often put an immense amount of pressure on themselves. It's understandable that we all want to do things right, yet sometimes, a simple piece of advice can change your entire perception of parenthood.
“What is the single hardest lesson for a parent to learn about raising kids?” – this online user turned to one of Reddit’s communities dedicated to asking women questions, hoping to find out what hard lessons parents learn when raising children. The post has managed to receive nearly 2K upvotes and 536 worth of comments discussing the difficulties of parenthood.
More info: Reddit
#21 You're Going To Feel Like You're Constantly Failing
You’re gonna feel like you’re failing constantly...you’re not, not in the slightest, but you’ll feel like it
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76points
#22 Remember That You're Not Less Of A Mother On Bad Days
I am not less of a mother on bad days.
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62points
#23 You Can't Follow Their Every Step
The world is dangerous and unfortunately we cannot follow their every step. They grow up, they leave the house and bad things do happen
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61points
#25 You're Bound To Feel Guilty And Second-Guess Your Decisions
More than the single hardest lesson, but these are the top for me:
* You're going to constantly second guess decisions, and feel guilty for things on a regular basis.
* Support, encouragement and trust are as important as love
* Letting them fail is epically hard; showing them how to come back from failure is vital
* If you split with your partner, remember that your kid(s) still need and want them in their life (barring abuse, etc.)
* You're raising them to be adults- teach them how to manage their own lives, and don't try to live their life for them
* When you like them the least is when they need love the most
* Communicate with them the way you want to be communicated with- kids are people, and they model your behaviors
* Support, encouragement and trust are as important as love
* Letting them fail is epically hard; showing them how to come back from failure is vital
* If you split with your partner, remember that your kid(s) still need and want them in their life (barring abuse, etc.)
* You're raising them to be adults- teach them how to manage their own lives, and don't try to live their life for them
* When you like them the least is when they need love the most
* Communicate with them the way you want to be communicated with- kids are people, and they model your behaviors
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57points
#26 Choose Wisely
You get to choose how to love your kids, how to teach your kids, and how you’re going to f**k up with your kids.
Choose wisely as all are inevitable.
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55points
#27 It's Normal For Them To Disagree With You
They will have a difference of opinion, and disagree with you.
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51points
#28 Sometimes It'll Be Hard To Connect With Your Children
Their kids might not have anything in common with them or turn out differently than expected. I see a lot of parents who are surprised when they struggle to connect with their child or something hard pops up. So many small things can be huge stressors to kids and become gigantic, time consuming concerns for parents.
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43points
#29 Even Your Best Intentions Can Go Wrong
Even your best, most thoughtful intentions can go wrong.
42points
#30 Your Purpose Is Not To Pass Down Your Own Rules About Life
Your purpose is not to pass down your own rules about life, but to put life itself in context for them.
(I'm not a parent tho, but I was surprised when someone said that that's how they parent their child and I thought it made sense)
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40points