Families For Life | How to embrace your parenting journey

What’s the hardest job in the world? Don’t be surprised if “parenting” is one of the top answers. No matter how well you’re doing, there will be times when you feel like you’re falling short, leading to guilt—guilt for sending your child to infant care so you can return to work, for losing your temper, or even for not buying them that toy because you need to stick to a budget.

The truth is, these feelings are completely normal. They’re all part of the parenting journey! That being said, you can’t let them define the path you’re on. Here’s how to embrace your journey—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Acknowledge your feelings

Do you feel that ache of impending guilt slowly bubbling its way up to the surface? Don’t tamp it down—use it as a moment for self-reflection. Ask yourself, “Why am I feeling this way?” and “What can I do about it?” This is an opportunity to examine your actions and work through them, rather than against them.

Communicate

Once you’ve processed your emotions, let them out. If you feel bad for chastising your child, apologise. This also teaches them an important lesson about accountability.

You can also lean on your spouse for support. Share your thoughts and struggles— parenting is a team effort, after all.

Set your priorities straight

Juggling multiple responsibilities can be overwhelming. Take time to identify what truly matters and set boundaries accordingly. If your children’s well-being is your top priority, learn to say no to additional commitments to create more time for them. Sometimes, you just can’t do it all, and that’s okay!

Stop comparing yourself to others

With social media everywhere, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. But remember, what you see online is often curated and doesn’t reflect reality. Your parenting journey should be based on your own abilities and circumstances, not someone else’s highlight reel. Perfection isn’t the goal—being present for your child is.

Take time away from the kids

We know what you’re thinking, and we’re stopping you right there. Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your child. In fact, it benefits both you and your family in the long run. When you prioritise your well-being, you’re in a better state to care for your kids, reducing stress and burnout. So go ahead, take that break and have some me-time!

At the end of the day, there isn’t one “right way” to parent, so don’t be too hard on yourself. What matters is showing up for your kids—whether they realise they need you or not—and doing the best you can with what you have! From their first smiles to their teenage milestones, every parent's journey is unique, and there's always support and guidance available to help you navigate each stage of your child's development.