I don’t know about you, but there are moments when I feel like I’m failing as a parent. My kids often call me the meanest mom in the world for not allowing them to binge on video games for hours. I hear the so-called “experts” saying I’m ruining my children by letting them stay up too late or relying on time-outs. And let’s not even talk about the judgment from other parents for things like letting my kids walk to school alone or occasionally serving them non-organic, fried snacks.
But the harshest critic? It’s that nagging voice in my head, always ready to cast doubt on my parenting choices.
Yet, through all of this, I have one constant source of encouragement: my husband. His support and praise mean the world to me. Early in our parenting journey, we recognized the importance of presenting a unified front against our little rascals. Kids are like bloodhounds, ready to exploit any sign of discord between parents. That’s why we try to keep our disagreements private.
However, it’s not just about avoiding conflicts in front of the kids; it’s about how we uplift each other. My husband goes out of his way to commend me in front of the children. Recently, during a chaotic drive home from a baseball game in pouring rain, he praised my driving skills as though I had just completed a monumental task. “Isn’t your mom doing an incredible job?” he exclaimed, thanking me profusely for getting us home safely.
At first, I felt a bit flustered by his excessive compliments, but then something wonderful happened: my kids began to echo his sentiments. They praised my singing (which is far from good), thanked me for bringing their favorite snacks, and recognized my efforts in keeping their lives running smoothly. For those brief moments, I felt a surge of appreciation and warmth.
My husband’s affirmations do so much more than just make me feel good. They show our kids that he respects and loves me, setting a powerful example of how to treat women with kindness and admiration. It also helps our children understand the dynamics of co-parenting, highlighting the importance of recognizing each other’s contributions to the family.
Moreover, his encouragement reinforces my role within our family. Even though he’s the primary breadwinner, his words remind everyone of the value I bring to our home, from the daily routines to the emotional support. I’m the one ensuring they leave the house dressed and prepared for the day, and I’m there when they return from school or activities. My voice can sometimes fade into the background noise, but my husband’s acknowledgment ensures the kids remember that I’m not just a caretaker; I am their mother, a force to be reckoned with.
Parenting is challenging yet rewarding, and we all need reminders that we’re doing a great job. Whether it’s tackling household chores or managing finances, recognition from a partner can give us that much-needed boost when self-doubt creeps in.
I must admit, I could do a better job of praising my husband in front of the kids, too. Dads deserve that acknowledgment just as much. Life can get so busy that we forget to express gratitude for the little things they do.
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In summary, praising each other in front of our kids not only strengthens our relationship but also teaches them valuable lessons about respect and appreciation. Let’s not forget the importance of recognizing the efforts of our partners, no matter how small—they truly are the big things.