I’ve experienced many a difficult patch in my eight years as a parent, and one of the things that’s really helped me through has been inspiring quotes that have reminded me why I’m doing this and what the best way to do it is! So here are five of my favourites:
1. It would be so nice if something would make sense for a change
This quote reminds me that sometimes we just can’t work things out, and trying to do so leaves us tense and confused, which can often make the situation even worse. It would be nice if everything made sense, but, particularly when it comes to children, it just doesn’t. Sometimes all it takes to solve a problem is to be patient – wait and observe.
2. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong…
You don’t always have to pretend to be strong
There’s no need to prove all the time that everything is going right
You shouldn’t be concerned about what other people are thinking
Cry if you need to
It’s good to cry out all your tears
Because only then will you be able to smile again
Paul Coelho
Many mums I know are so understandably keen to look like they’re not falling apart. But, you know, parenting is tough. And it’s tougher than it should be because, in our culture, we parent alone. It’s so isolating and there are rarely other adults around to take the pressure off us. Being honest about our negative feelings, as well as our positive feelings, is so important. It’s good for our children to see what being human means – that we’re not infallible. And it’s such a relief when another parent is honest with you about how tough it can be.
3. The past cannot be changed, forgotten, edited or erased…it can only be accepted
So, you yelled at your children last night and you feel guilty about it? Don’t we all? It’s horrible, and wrong, but no good can come from dwelling on the mistakes we’ve made as parents. The best parents resolve to do better next time, try to learn ways to make it more likely that they can, and then put the past behind them and move on.
4. Love me when I deserve it least, because that is when I really need it
Arguably one of the most important things I’ve learned as a parent. The more we love our children, even when they’re behaving really badly, the quicker the bad patches pass. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that the lower our self-esteem, the less likeable we are. So raise your children’s self-esteem, especially when they’re behaving unlike-ably, and you may find they become more likeable!
5. People will never forget how you made them feel
It’s no good just telling our children we love them – we need to show it in as many ways we can.
What are your favourite quotes that help you in your life as a parent?