It's easy to become socially isolated from the outside world when your everyday life is so hectic, but being able to accept every step of your parenting journey is what allows you to move forward.
Vicki Broadbent, for example, successfully juggles a thriving business with raising a family, and she said owning her hiccups really helps her. "When I mess up, I hold my hands up, admit it, and explain to my children what happened ('Mummy shouted because she was tired'). I also always apologize," the founder of Honest Mum and author of Mumboss, told Bored Panda in an earlier interview."It's a strength, not a weakness to say sorry. Being honest about my failures with my children humanizes me as a parent and, most importantly, it normalizes making mistakes. They're a natural part of life and we're all learning and growing. I want my kids to know that while I'm teaching them the difference between right and wrong and the importance of empathy and forgiveness."
Vicki said that her family genuinely has a lot of fun. They sing, dance, watch comedies, and always strive to seek the positives in life. "We as parents don't take ourselves too seriously and laugh at ourselves so our children follow suit." Keeping a family together is a lot of work. But offers so much opportunity to have a good time, too, so why not use it?
"Having children is truly a gift," Vicki said. "It gives you as a parent a second chance at childhood. You can live vicariously through your kids; you can see the world anew through their young eyes, and best of all, you get to eat more candy (!) and lose your inhibitions more (I've been known to dance around the supermarket)! It's a maternal right to embarrass your kids, right!"
The mother is fully aware that having kids is a huge responsibility but like everything in life, she always questions herself, 'Am I having fun?'
"Childhood is a short and precious window to be enjoyed so we as parents must protect this time for our children and harness happiness where possible."
But what if screw up and can't stop thinking about it even after venting online? Well, Broadbent believes the fact that you are worried about being a good parent is proof that you are one.
"Please remember you're a human too and will have good and bad days. Be kind to yourself so you can be kind to others and that means forgiving yourself when you mess up," she told Bored Panda in another interview.
According to the Honest Mum, you are a composite of your own life experiences and upbringing, those formative childhood years and beyond, and a lot of parenting can feel triggering. "Your child is left out at school for example, and it reminds you of being bullied." So question your reactions.
Speaking from her own experience, Vicki said therapy has helped her own parenting style hugely. She was able to work through issues, allowing herself to recognize if she's projecting or feeling triggered when it comes to her own parenting/children's behavior. And that allows her to change her responses.
"It has also helped me to be a more sympathetic, calmer parent," Broadbent said. "Children require unconditional love and direction. They thrive on boundaries and routine and they require honesty. You want your children to trust and respect you. They need to know where they stand so they can feel emotionally safe at all times."
