Sometimes (Most of the Time) Doing What’s Best is Hard

Sometimes (most of the time), doing what’s best for your kids is hard. I think that, as moms, we really try to deny this reality. We think that if we just implement the right system or read the right book or find the right Pinterest idea, things will be easy. There must be an easy way to introduce solid foods, potty train, decide how much screen time they should get, choose the right school, teach my child to be kind, teach my teen to be responsible. But the truth?

Usually, there’s no easy way.

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. And let’s be honest. None of us had any idea what we were getting ourselves into. We knew we would lose some sleep. We knew diapers and college would be expensive. But, we had no clue that ALL THE THINGS would be SO HARD. Sometimes, they just are. And that’s okay.

So when you’re cleaning up pee (or poop) for the 15th time and you haven’t even finished your first cup of coffee, know that you are not alone. Also, you’re not doing it wrong. You haven’t missed some secret trick that everyone else knows. It’s just hard. The same goes for so many of the things we deal with in parenting. From the small things that fade into the background in a few months or years (will my kid ever sleep in their own bed all night?!) to the big things that have a lasting impact (how do I talk to my kid about sex?), so many parenting decisions are just hard. Sticking to your guns, going the distance, teaching your kids, these are not quick and easy things. But you have friends in the trenches.