Being a Parent is Hard!

My wife said to me on Sunday night, “I thought this parenting was supposed to get easier”. This came soon after we realised that things were not going so well for our 20 year-old and in fact we had been worrying about him for a number of months for a variety of unrelated reasons.

Then on Monday morning, I received two separate emails from friends who I have dealt with over the years through the magazine. Both were speaking of about some tough situations related to their two 18 old sons. One spoke of her 18 year-old son who is now with her ex and is not wanting to communicate at all with her since she and her husband moved away.

We are quickly reminded that this is all part of life's journey. So many will say that they, as parents, have experienced these situations over the years. It doesn't make it less painful to know that others are experiencing the same, but it does give some solace to know that you are not alone.

Whether you're dealing with a toddler or a teen, and I suspect those in between and beyond, you never really stop worrying as a parent. You are able to let go in some situations as they get older and your relationship changes but you are still the parent.

Nobody said parenting was easy and each child doesn't come with a manual. We just have to do our best and try remember we're not in this alone.

It is good to be able to talk to others about your experiences because, as I have said, you are not alone.