I’ve had the amazing realization of what kind of parent I should be this week.
I want to start by saying that I have a reallly compassionate heart and I remember what it was like to be a tenderhearted kid.
So, I guess I’ve always wondered how I would parent.
I figured that I would still be my Italian self who can be loud & passionate, but also gentle which is my nature.
I’m guessing I’m probably not alone in feeling a little afraid of how to proceed.
But 2 year olds…man, they pull it out of you.
You find yourself with a tantruming little person in front of you and you just have to figure out how to deal. Amiright?!
Our 2 year old’s tantrums have been at an all time high in the past few weeks and I won’t go into details, but let’s just say I’ve had to face everything. Just everything about how to parent and who I am as a parent.
And it hit me- I will be a firm and tender parent.
Firm where it’s absolutely needed for guidance and to keep my child from harm and from harming others.
And tender as soon as he gets it and I can just wrap him up in my love.
No matter how upset he has been, my love has been bigger.
It just overflows and you’re just trying to find any way to bring calm back to their hearts and environment.
I guess my heart as a child used to be confused by authority figures who were harsh and never explained themselves.
Every person has moments where they handle it badly, but I think the thing that healed me the most was those authority figures who followed up and apologized and when it was appropriate, explained what was going on.
I still don’t completely know how this will go- that’s parenting a firstborn for ya!
But I’ve had so much confidence in my parenting and my child responds amazingly well to my confidence.
So, to all the other mamas and papas out there who are going through tough times, I’m praying for you, that as you read this you’d feel grace and just know what to do next with your child.
We’re doing it!
In it together,
courage is in the leap 