I know what you’re thinking.
Great! Another parenting advice article.
*insert sarcasm
Yeah, I know. There’s like tons of parenting “experts” out there eager to share their knowledge. So you don’t need another one of those. I mean, who can keep it all straight?! Do you avoid fatty foods or just gluten? Is it really the red dye that’s making my kid hyper? Screen time bad, but learning apps good? I’m so confused!
Yet here you are, opening yet another link with promises of parenting gold. Why is that?!
Well, it’s because you need it. I need it! We’re all just muddling through trying to figure this thing out. Y’all, parenting is hard! If I had a dollar for every time I’ve questioned if I’m screwing this all up, I’d have like enough money to buy at least two of those huge LOL balls. Maybe I’d get a rare. But I digress.
Point is, there’s so much advice out there, but even when you follow it to the tee it doesn’t seem to work out like the pictures show. It’s like our circumstances are unique, our kids their own animal, and none of the parenting blogs have an addendum for your child who’s scared of being trapped in a dressing room or getting lost in the woods. It doesn’t account for that last baby who really broke the mold on everything you just thought you knew.
What you do know is you gotta build their self-esteem. Everyone says so! Gentle parenting, pounds of praise, and give them the ability to decide for themselves the path they’ll take.
Wait, who is this little diva?
What have I done?
Do I need to do a timeout?
Maybe we should talk about our feelings?
They must be lacking in my validation of their emotions.
Do I spank them?
I mean, my parents spanked me, and I’m ok. Right?!
Perhaps they need a social outlet with which to work out their frustration!
Martial arts?
Dance?
What if we just need counseling?
Or meds?