Pen
GUEST BLOG: Parenting is the toughest job you’ll ever love
I was recently invited to attend a pre-school music group to offer parenting tips to a group of Mothers and Fathers. As I sat at the edge of the group nervously waiting for the session to finish so I could be introduced, I had a flash back to my own experience as a parent with a young child at music group some 14 years earlier. How wonderful would it have been to have a friendly familiar face visiting regularly to ask even the silliest questions about parenting! Instead like many other parents I was afraid to ask. I had trained as a teacher surely I should know about this parenting stuff. Or was it because I didn’t want to burden others with my problemsor the fear that I would be judged for my naivety.
I often hear parents say they are embarrassed or ashamed when they don’t know how to handle their child’s misbehaviour. Why is there a misconception in our society that once you become a parent you should just automatically know how to be a parent! How silly! We take tests to gain a driving license and study for years to gain qualifications, why is parenting any different? Why, when parenting is one of the hardest, most important jobs, is there an expectation to learn as you go.
Parenting is the toughest job you will even do. It is not easy. Whether you’re just learning how to deal with nappies, trying to manage tantrums or navigating the teenage years, parenting can be a constant challenge. I truly believe in the importance of having a village raise a child. And it is incredibly important that all parents know it is ok to ask for help. Reach out to trusted adults in your circle whether they are family, friends or other parents that can nurture and support you in your parenting journey. In fact when you ask for help you are taking a huge step towards becoming a stronger, happier parent.
‘Andrea Driver is the Manager of Bright Futures Homebased Childcare and Learning which is a not for profit service of Napier Family Centre. Andrea has a wealth of experience as a teacher, family support worker and parenting education facilitator.’
For more information on the parenting groups offered at Pen Green, click here.