Every parent struggles with something. That’s a no-brainer.
Here are some top answers from parents who were asked what their top struggles are:
Time. Not Enough of it. Unsure of how to manage it. Struggle with how to divide it with multiple kids.
Keeping kids motivated in school and/or sports. The frustrating part of this dilemma is that you simply cannot just make your kids get motivated. You can threaten, bribe, lecture–but the motivation cannot be applied externally like a topical lotion.
Knowing when to step in and when to step back. Many parents step in way too soon and as a result, raise emotionally weak and entitled adults. Some don’t step in at all and end up with kids who have addictions and make life-altering poor choices.
Managing Parental emotions. Kids learn early how to push our buttons, and they do a very good job of it. I don’t think parents want to angrily yell at their kids, but it’s hard to keep in check when the kids are pushing.
Asking for forgiveness. Takes humility.
Keeping up with culture. One parent explains: I found the most difficult part of rearing my children was learning about the newest things that were surfacing to tempt teens.
Self-doubt. So many parents wonder if they are doing the right thing.
Fear. What if? Those two words can cause great anxiety.
I’m sure you can add to this list. What are your biggest challenges?
What are you doing to deal with these parenting struggles?
Having parenting struggles does not make you a bad parent; it makes you a normal one. However, how you deal with those problems will define you as a parent and who your kids grow up to be.
In parenting, there are no one-size-fits-all answers because every family dynamic is unique. But there are some guidelines that can help you make decisions along the way.
Establish Core Values for your family.
Set boundaries for your kids.
Be sure you are filling their love tanks in a love language that they are receptive to.
Practice healthy communication as a family.
Think about the type of adults you want to raise and talk about your plan for doing that.
Although you can never rid your life of all parenting struggles, you can have tools to use when you face them. Be prepared. Don’t be a parent who wings it every day.
“If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time.” Zig Ziglar
If you want to be aiming at something in your parenting and don’t know where to start, let’s talk. Schedule a free introductory consultation here.