Some moments in life are unforgettable. January 28, 1986, when the space shuttle Challenger tragically exploded. A crisp evening in the fall of 1987, marked by my first real kiss. November 4, 2008, the day we witnessed history with the election of our first African American President. And then there was that summer day in 1995 when I had the shocking realization that my dad was just an ordinary person.
The timing may vary for each of us, but the feelings of shock, confusion, disappointment, and even a hint of resentment are universal. They come crashing down like a wave when it suddenly hits you: your parents are just people. People who happen to have kids.
From the moment we enter this world, our parents are everything to us. They cradle our tiny bodies and cater to our every whim. It’s easy to view Moms and Dads as superheroes, armed with the incredible ability to answer our endless questions and manage the chaos of our daily lives. But when these superhumans tumble back down to earth, it can feel like our entire world has shifted.
When I first discovered that my dad was just a regular guy, I was filled with bitterness. I had held him in such high regard, convinced he could do no wrong. The realization felt like a betrayal, and I resented him for it. However, as I matured, my perspective changed. Now, as a parent myself, I have come to love him even more for his humanity. No one is ever truly ready for the challenges of parenthood; the advice from books and friends does little to prepare you. It’s a messy, exhausting journey, and we carry our past selves into this new role.
As a single mom, my life is often on display for my kids to see. I aim to be honest with them about who I am. The more they experience my reality, the less daunting my imperfections become. I want to soften the blow when they realize I’m not perfect.
I’m a friend, sister, daughter, writer, and occasional yoga enthusiast. I enjoy laughter, good food, being lazy on weekends, and tackling various projects. I can get cranky when I’m hungry or when my partner is running late, and I have a low tolerance for noisy kids. I have dreams to chase and places to explore. Yet, above all, I am their mother, and that is the greatest joy of my life.
While “mom” is my favorite title, I am still just a person—a person with two kids. The sooner they grasp this reality, the better.
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Summary:
The realization that our parents are just regular people can be a shocking moment in life. As children, we often view our parents as superheroes, only to later discover their humanity. This journey into parenthood is messy and full of challenges, and it’s important for kids to see their parents as relatable individuals. Embracing this truth can help mitigate disappointments and foster a deeper connection.