Mum’s raw parenting reminder has us all ugly crying

Posted in Family.
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Every now and then you read a Facebook post that leaves you saying same freaking same.



Why? Because you’ve thought each of those sentences yourself. That person’s pains, their joys, their fears are all a reflection of your own. It almost feels like this stranger was in your brain when they wrote it.

I reckon that’s how 99.99 percent of parents felt after reading a recent post by Liza Hartley. Thousands of post reactions prove it.

“Life’s so busy”

She starts off talking about the universal struggle of parenting. “Helping them with homework, a messy house, the never-ending laundry, the cost to buy school clothes, packing their lunches …”

But between these little gripes are so many moments of joy. Christmas mornings, the sports games, watching them pursue the things they love. In these moments, parents play the role of the facilitator. You nurture them as they grow.

Life develops a busy little family routine. It might feel manic, but you also feel like you’re thriving.

When you first have children they talk about the challenges of parenting….the struggles of a baby waking in the night,…

Posted by Liza Hartley on Monday, March 25, 2019

But what comes next?

In these moments, it’s hard to picture the day when your house becomes empty again.

“Suddenly hours turn into days … days into months … and months into years,” writes  Liza. “You’ve learned how to parent a child who needs you to care for and protect them … but have no clue how the whole ‘letting go’ thing is supposed to work.”

When you reach this stage, 20 years doesn’t feel like enough. “When it’s time for them to go, it all hits you like a ton of bricks,” says Liza. 

You think of all the things you could have done or could have said or ways you could have helped them. You wonder if you could have shown them better how much you love them.

While it will never feel like enough time, we need to learn to trust that we have done enough.

“Soak. It. All. In.”

She ends with a reminder that we can never hear too often: don’t take those young years for granted. 

“One day, all those crazy days full of cartoons, snuggles, sleepovers, Christmas morning magic, ballgames, practices and late night dinners … all come to an end.

“You’re left hoping that you did enough right, so that when they spread their wings … They’ll fly.”

Is anyone else ugly crying yet?

If yes, go give your babies an extra big hug. (And while you’re at it, give yourself a big pat on the back. You’re doing great.)

This post was originally published on Kinderling Kids Radio. Download the Kinderling app for more great stories. 

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