Are You a SUCCESSFUL Parent?

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs and one of the most challenging jobs all wrapped into one. As soon as your child enters the world, life has changed. Your tiny, bobble-headed peanut is dependent on you in every aspect of life, and with this responsibility comes many questions from new parents.

How do I know if I am doing a “good job”?
How do I know if the decisions I have made are the “correct” ones?
And lastly, how do I know if I am “successful” at parenting?

As I sit here, as 1st time parent to a now 1-week old, I can relate to all three questions stated above. Our son is the light of my world and I know he is healthy, loved, and well taken care of, but it’s easy to get wrapped up in other’s opinions of what parenting “should be”.

Just like in life, there isn’t a cookie cutter approach to parenting. Aside from the basic necessities such as food, sleep, and clean diapers, all babies and families have their own individualized needs. This is what makes parenting so amazing- it is YOURS to own and create!

Today I came across a quote from Maya Angelou on what makes an individual successful, and it struck me since it also relates so strongly to parenting.

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

As a parent… do YOU like yourself as a mom or dad?
As a parent… do YOU like the choices you have made for your child?
As a parent… do YOU like how you parent (aka your parenting style)?

Notice how this quote doesn’t state,  “Success is OTHERS liking you, OTHERS liking what you do, and OTHERS liking how you do it.”

Hang in there, parents! You are doing an amazing job. Your child(ren) love you. You are strong and confident in your parental decisions. You know what’s best for your child, even if it is considered the road less traveled by. And your unconditional love doesn’t go unnoticed!