Dear New Parents,
How’s everything going on your end? Feeling a bit worn out? Perhaps the late-night feedings and the relentless energy of a toddler are taking their toll – with the constant worry of safety, the struggle to introduce nutritious meals, and the chaotic daily routines.
It’s entirely normal to feel a bit daunted. Sometimes, you might find yourself wondering if you truly belong in the realm of parenting. You’ve aced challenging tasks in your life, from mathematics to managing a business, yet here you are, feeling like you’d barely scrape by on a parenting quiz. Maybe a C+ if you’re lucky, possibly a B- with a caffeine boost.
Everywhere you look, other parents seem to have their lives in perfect order. They appear to understand the intricacies of parenting, and dare I say, they seem to excel in ways you might not.
Let’s face it: they are doing better than you. Other parents excel in various aspects, from discipline to fostering social connections for their children. They seem to be raising kids who will thrive and lead fulfilling lives, and you might be left feeling like you’re falling short.
This realization took me a long time to accept, and it was a journey through countless parenting forums, books, and articles. I finally came to terms with the fact that I might not measure up. To save you from a similar lengthy process, I present to you a comprehensive list of parents who might just be doing it better than you.
Types of Parents Who Seem to Have It All Together
- 1. Strict Parents
- 2. Easygoing Parents
- 3. City Dwellers who expose their kids to diverse cultures
- 4. Suburban Parents with spacious backyards and quality schools
- 5. Rural Parents teaching responsibility through farm work
- 6. Parents who vaccinate their children
- 7. Parents who choose not to vaccinate
- 8. Immaculately tidy parents
- 9. Parents who embrace germs for health benefits
- 10. Breastfeeding advocates
- 11. Parents who prefer bottle feeding
- 12. Devoutly religious parents
- 13. Atheist parents
- 14. Parents questioning divine assistance in parenting
- 15. Conservative parents
- 16. Liberal parents
- 17. Anarchist parents
- 18. Influential figures in parenting
- 19. Free-Range parents
- 20. Parents who use leashes on their kids
- 21. Organic lifestyle advocates
- 22. Tech-savvy parents
- 23. Unplugged parents
- 24. Parents with strict screen time rules
- 25. Authoritarian parents
- 26. Authoritative parents
- 27. Optimistic parents
- 28. Permissive parents
- 29. Persuasive parents
- 30. Iconic parenting figures
- 31. Esteemed parenting experts
- 32. Influential authors on parenting
- 33. Families with unique dynamics
- 34. Collectively famous families
- 35. Parents who provide emotional support
- 36. Parents who choose not to intervene
- 37. Families who practice co-sleeping
- 38. Families who prioritize independence
- 39. Parents who employ various educational methods
- 40. Parents of multiple children
- 41. Parents who adopt creative parenting styles
- 42. Parents who balance work and home life
- 43. Parents who prioritize playtime
- 44. Parents who foster independence
- 45. Parents involved in community activities
- 46. Parents who embrace different educational philosophies
- 47. Parents who are hands-on
- 48. Parents who focus on self-care
- 49. Parents with diverse backgrounds
- 50. My own mom
I may have overlooked a few categories, but this should provide ample evidence that there’s a plethora of parenting styles that seem superior.
In all seriousness, unless you are exhibiting severe behaviors across the spectrum of parenting flaws, your unique style is likely just fine for your child. You know more than you give yourself credit for. Even amidst your imperfections, you are doing better than you think.
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Summary
This article reflects on the overwhelming feeling many new parents experience when comparing themselves to others. It humorously lists various parenting styles and figures that may seem superior, ultimately reminding parents that their unique approach is sufficient for their child’s growth and well-being.