SIGH. I have been on the parenting struggle bus all week and it’s Wednesday. This week started off rough for me and has continued, thankfully I am starting to recover.
Watching our kids struggle might be one of the most challenges jobs as a parent. There is also the struggle bus in childhood which is real and why maintaining a strong connection to and with our kids is vital.
I guess with four kids there is bound to always be something going on but this week has been particularly challenging. But the hard that one of my kids is dealing with hits close to home for me which makes helping them navigate this challenge a bit more complicated.
My husband is traveling which means there is just a little more for me to manage, which truthfully I didn’t need this week. But we have to play the cards we are dealt.
I am a big believer that sharing the load makes life easier. Asking for help isn’t always easy for me but I have been asking for it this week. I connected with a genuine friend with whom I can be vulnerable which offered some refuge but it wasn’t until I had a session with my coach that I started feeling lighter.
None of the people I shared my struggles with were able to solve my kid’s problem but I was reminded that struggles help us grow as individuals. My kid feels like their problem isn’t easily solved and they are right. As much as I wish I could snap my fingers and make this problem go away, unfortunately this problem is not going to be solved overnight, like most problems we encounter there is no easy solution. Yet I do believe that this challenge will make my kid stronger, kinder and hopefully more confident.
But sharing my challenges with a couple of trusted people has allowed me to exercise my brainstorming muscles for ways to help my child in addressing their challenges. Through my actions I am teaching my kids that asking others for help is important and that sharing their concerns with trusted people not only helps them feel better but it also build connection and deepens relationships.
Genuine connection is the most powerful medicine for loneliness. Childhood has its hard moments ensuring kids feel connected enough to share their struggles is one of the most powerful gifts they can be given.
If you have a friend whom you feel close enough to share your struggles, I would invite you to share this newsletter with them. Supporting and encourage parents as they navigate their way through this journey of parenting is my passion. You can share this link http://freebie.mirsadahoffmann.com/newsletter with others who might enjoy some inspiration.
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Wishing you a joyful week.
With respect and gratitude,
Mirsada
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