Life would be amazing if it was full of people who only cheered us on and supported us and our efforts. Unfortunately, however, life is not always so kind. Sadly, there are so many, and maybe even more, who interrupt and criticize as cheerleaders when it comes to evaluating our parenting skills. Parenting can be difficult.
Today’s social networks affect our progress as parents. It influences how people see us as well as how we see them. Studies have shown that Facebook has increased something called ‘social comparison’. This is not always a good thing as social comparison sometimes increases our apprehension about ourselves and can lead to feelings that our lives are lacking. On Facebook, it seems like most people are having more fun than we are. However, the truth is that we do not see the full picture of their lives on Facebook. We only see the photos and posts they want us to see…and guess which ones they want us to see? Are you okay. not the bad ones…
It’s natural for us parents to have some self-doubt, but unfortunately social comparison can take our self-doubt to the next level. And sometimes it makes us feel like we’re failing miserably. But I’m going to tell you right here, right now, that you’re not failing miserably. It is human to sometimes wonder if we are good enough and if our upbringing is good enough. So, let’s not go overboard with these doubts and self-criticism, okay? Let’s stop comparing ourselves to others, and let’s stop worrying about what we don’t have or don’t know. Instead, let us begin to rejoice in what we have and what we know. And what we do know is that children are resilient when they know they are loved. And we love them very much, don’t we?
Now, as my grandfather always said: “Go learn, lead and pave the way to a better world for all of us.” Parents, go ahead. You are doing it very well. And once again, parents, thank you in advance for all that you do and for all that you will do…