Parenting is undeniably tough, and it’s time I admit that I often feel lost. Like many parents, I find myself questioning my decisions and feeling overwhelmed. As the comedian Louis Szekely, known to many as Louis C.K., once put it, “Having kids can be a drag because it’s often boring… They read you stories like ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ at a snail’s pace, and you’re stuck feeling both proud and utterly bored.” His candidness resonates with many of us navigating the wild ride of parenthood.
We are not perfect beings, nor should we strive to be. Our children will eventually see our flaws, especially when we’re exhausted and they demand one more bedtime story or, in the middle of our rare moments of intimacy, they call out for a glass of water. They also have a knack for pointing out our inconsistencies.
Instead of attempting to portray an image of perfection, I’ve decided to embrace my humanity. The goal is to learn from my missteps, apologize when I fall short, and practice self-forgiveness. Each day presents a new opportunity to be the parent I aspire to be. If today doesn’t unfold as planned, I can forgive myself and try again tomorrow.
Recently, during an eye exam for my son, Ethan, I encountered a less-than-pleasant pediatrician. While I understand the need for eye drops, this doctor seemed to lack the empathy and understanding often emphasized by parenting experts like Dr. Spock or Larry Cohen, who advocates for playful parenting. It felt as though he would have made a better Navy admiral than a pediatric optometrist.
Ethan, just two years old, understandably resisted sitting still for the drops. The doctor, frustrated, instructed me to hold him down. Caught off guard, I complied, physically restraining my son while he cried. Although Ethan quickly moved on to play with toys afterward, I felt immense guilt for betraying his trust. I knew there had to be a gentler approach.
When we got home, I took a moment to apologize to Ethan. I want him to know that it’s okay to mess up. What matters is how we handle our mistakes—taking responsibility, offering apologies, and showing ourselves compassion. Children learn more from our actions than our words, so by modeling self-forgiveness, I hope to instill that same quality in him.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the parenting journey, consider reading our post on forgiving yourself as a parent for additional insights. And for those considering at-home insemination, check out Cryobaby’s home insemination syringe kit, a great resource for your journey. For further information on IVF and other options, Healthline offers a comprehensive guide.
Ultimately, the lesson here is clear: it’s perfectly normal to stumble as a parent. What’s vital is how we respond to those stumbles, both for ourselves and for our children.
Leave a Reply