OK, so we all swore that as intelligent, confident, loving and understanding parents we would never repeat the mistakes made by the parents who came before us. Truly, we entered into parenthood knowing we would be the generation that would finally get parenting right. But then why did the words "BECAUSE I SAID SO" fly out of my mouth in a moment of 5 year-old defiance and parental exhaustion?
The words came so easily and so confidently as if I truly was the parent! Crazily, I seemed to suddenly realize I am the parent, the parent to three daughters between the ages of 3 1/2 and 5 (a set of twins in there if the math seems a bit off). It was as if the dreaded words of parental-rights-of passage opened my eyes to the situation....MY KIDS ARE RUNNING THE SHOW, but I'm the parent right?
What happened? I am an educated, former professional who wanted to stay home and raise my children in an environment of open-mindedness, love and understanding. BUT that's not exactly how it's working out.....Please don't misunderstand I run a tight ship (or so I thought), I am a loving mother (or am I an enabler), I work "with" my children (or do I smoother), I discipline (or only threaten to), the contradictions are endless - parenting is hard. Who knew there were so many ways to get it wrong and in so many different areas!
So, I have done what so many others have done - complained endlessly with my friends over coffee in the AM and wine in the PM - and turned to the BOOKS - the ever-growing list of parenting books with techniques and theories so diverse it is mind blowing! It seems the more I read the more I am confused and overwhelmed - where so many things make sense on paper putting them into practice seems unnerving. I finally decided the only way I was ever going to make sense of this crazy parenting thing was to reach out and start a new and on-going conversation. I intend to Blog about the books I am reading (yes there are many at once), and put it all out there in the great internet world and see what thoughts, ideas, and experiences come back. Maybe others will read this blog and share or maybe this is additional proof that parenthood is pushing me closer to insanity each day, but hey it’s worth a try…..
If you are interested please become a follower/ a commenter/ a contributor. I have never even followed a blog before and not really sure how it all goes. I want to apologize upfront for all incomprehensible thoughts, misspelled words, and improper grammar (I have been interrupted by small people about 30 times while writing this post).
I promise to start the conversation (soon) from one of the many topics swimming in my head from a book I am currently reading:
Books on the nightstand now:
NurtureShock by PO Bronson & Ashley Merryman
You're Not the Boss of Me by Betsy Brown Braun
Rasing Congident Girls by Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer
Best!
