Parenting is hard because it forces you to constantly look at your faults and shortcomings as a person.
Not as an employee at work or student at school but deep down as a person.
It makes you recognize your weaknesses all the time.
No one can be perfect but the pressure is on.
The shame can be intense and overpowering.
We can either ignore the call to change or force ourselves to do the hard work.
For our kids.
For our grandkids.
For our legacy.
Because nine times out of ten, your children are going to parent your grandchildren how you parented them.
Be kind.
Be emotionally responsive.
Be patient.
Be forgiving.
With them and with yourself.
It’s not easy to face your demons and change your behaviors.
Some are so ingrained in who we are and how we learned to survive that its hard to decipher what is what.
Some of us were not given the best examples as children. That can make it especially difficult.
Still we must all ask ourselves:
Is who I am the best example for my children?
Do I want _____ to be like me?
Am I modeling healthy choices for my children?
Am I brave enough to change?
Am I strong enough?
Do I have the support I need?
Am I ready to face the mirror?
The truth is we have to be.
It is our responsibility as parents.
To never stop modeling. To never stop learning. To never stop growing.
If we don’t, why should they?
If you are in need resources in your community and not sure where to start just dial 211.
Michigan 2-1-1 is an easy way to connect with help of all kinds, right in your community. Need help with food, housing, or paying bills? Need support in a family crisis or community disaster? We’re here for you. Any time. All the time. Just call, text, or search online and we’ll get you connected.