by Emily Sovich

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Celebrating Parents

First I was supposed to read about Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior.

 Now I'm supposed to read about Why French Parents Are Superior. (And, trust me, I have a lot to learn from French parents.) I'm supposed to come to terms with my Mommy Guilt, regardless of my parenting choices, and I'm supposed to teach my children how to navigate the world of good, old-fashioned play. I'm not supposed to hover though (because then I might come across as ridiculous), but I can't back off too much or my kids might offend someone in a restaurant or on an airplane.

 Is it any wonder Why Parents Hate Parenting? Or why we're all too worn out to Carpe Diem?

 I'm tired.

 I'm tired of trying to sort out The Things I Agree With from The Things I Don't Agree With, I'm tired of trying to figure out What Kind of Parent I Am, and I'm way too tired to sit down and do something crazy, like, you know, hang out with my daughters.

 I want a break. I want to cast off all my anxiety and I want to celebrate parents for awhile.

 I want to celebrate you.

 I want to hear your success stories. What are you doing right for your kids? Regardless of your philosophy, what makes you feel proud of yourself as a parent? We're doing hard, important work here, so let's be like actors at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and celebrate ourselves.

 What do you think? Does anyone want to swap success stories?

 If so, come back here on Friday, February 10th and link-up! (And don't forget to spread the word!)
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31 comments:

  1. Replies

    1. Hooray! (And on a totally unrelated note, I *just* figured out how to respond to comments within the comments section and this is my first time to try it -- I'm about to push 'publish' and I'm all excited.) Thanks, Sarah!

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    2. I'm so jealous! My blog won't work when I try it -- changing the settings to allow threads always makes my content disappear :( BUT! I'm glad you figured it out! Yay!

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    3. I wonder why. I just went to Settings > Posts and Comments. Then I changed the Comment Location to Embedded and added the Comment Form Message (at the bottom). I didn't even know what it would do for sure and I was surprised when I saw I could reply! I hope it works for you eventually; I like these comment conversations! :)

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  2. I'm in! I'm succeeding out the wazoo today;-)

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    1. Fantastic! I can't wait to hear about it!

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  3. oh I SO hear you right now! It's exhausting work trying to juggle being in the moment and figure out what the hell is *best* for everyone isn't it. Damn mother guilt!
    I'll try and remember :)

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  4. Yes! I feel like I've been in that exhausting place between doing and thinking and worrying over other people's judgements for too long. I hope you remember! I'd love to read your story!

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  5. what a great idea! i love it. i'd love to share, too.

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    1. Wow! The Lit Lush herself! :) I'm honored!

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  6. I think that is a great idea!

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  7. I feel the same way! Looking forward to reading some of the posts!

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    1. Thanks -- and feel free to join in! I'd love to read your stories!

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  8. I dare say you will have many takers. When my daughter was born I had books, but after the first month I put them in the back of the closet and life was so much better for both of us. And I never ever compared her to other children or did the mom brag thing either. Every child is unique and has the right to be who they were meant to be... (with a little love and guidance from mom and dad)

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    1. I avoided parenting articles for a long time, but I got sucked into the whole Tiger Mom controversy and, you're right, my parenting self-esteem started to plummet. I think I need to go back to parenting by instinct; it was better!

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  9. That sounds great! I think we celebrate too infrequently, and judge far too often (others and ourselves). To the good! Cheers! I'll be here!

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    1. Oh, I'm so glad! I've been following your thoughts on parenthood lately and I think you'll have a lot to add to the celebration.

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  10. Looking forward to meeting up here on Friday! Can't wait to celebrate parenting! What a great idea, Emily! :o)

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    1. Thanks, Rosinda! I'm so glad you're joining in! You have such a sweet family, we'll have a lot to celebrate!

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  11. What a great idea! As parents it is kindof easy to focus on the negative.

    My success . . . my 8-year-old still comes to me for kisses when he gets hurt, and he genuinely feels better afterwards. That makes me all kinds of happy.

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  12. That'll be fun, Emily!

    I just realized this is the first time I've seen so many links in your post! - and all good reads, too!

    I love how you write. And 'ave been lurking at your old blog posts. Hugs!

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    1. Thanks, Vidya! I hope you'll link up on Friday. You always have such a great perspective!

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  13. Love all the links...and you know I can relate! I wrote about this not too long ago.

    So tired of how many things I'm supposed to be as a mother! I'm trying trying to be a mother - that's all I can manage. :)

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    1. Oh, I know! I remember your post about How To Be a Parent and I loved your gumption! You were part of the catalyst for this idea -- thanks!

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  14. Oh shoot, when I saw the title of your post I thought you were celebrating ME! :-)

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    1. **Celebrate you? But Mo-om, that's not fair. It's MY party.**

      Hehe, I love you Mom!

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