Parenting strengths?
Posted September 28, 2015 - 9:27am
We all have strengths and weaknesses in every aspect of our lives. I'm wondering what you consider to be your strength as a parent? I know that I'm really good at comforting my children and being silly with them. I'm good at encouraging their imagination and helping them to talk through issues that are bothering them. Now, I am TERRIBLE at many other things, but it's Monday so I want to start the week on a high note.
Tell me: What are you good at when it comes to parenting?
jonbonjovious
I am good at encouraging my children to try new things, to discover new possibilities. I'm good at listening. I am good at celebrating small moments as well as milestones.
beachcitymom
I think my strengths are patience and being compassionate and nonjudgemental. I do have plenty of weaknesses but those are strengths. :)
justamom
Strengths: letting my kids be themselves, encouraging them to follow their dreams, listening to their problems and concerns, always being there for them.
Mommy Ramblings
I am good at listening to them and teaching them new things. I love being active with them swimming, biking, walking hiking. Love doing creative things with them. Caring about what is speacial for them and trying to help them find their spark that fuels them with passion and help that grow.
Your Kid's Table
I think my strengths are setting up consistent boundaries and structure, which helps them feel secure. I'm good at being present, listening, and encouraging them.
beachcitymom
I forgot about hiking and baking too...:) I am good at encouraging creativity too.
CandyOvercaffed
It's interesting that so many of us feel our strengths are in the nurturing category. That makes me wonder if I should look at my weaknesses a little differently. They could be an opportunity to balance my parenting style.
jonbonjovious
I think this is an interesting insight. I have thought about mine and I think many of my weaknesses also rest in nurturing. It's our role as a mom and I think there is always a shift in balance--my strengths and weaknesses vary by the child. Each needs a different hat than another often.
Frugal Minded M...
I didn't answer this question right away because it really does depend on the child and actually the day. When I first read the question, I honestly couldn't think of a strength. As you might be able to tell by this response, it hasn't been the easiest week at our house. Nothing horrible, but haven't been feeling extremely useful as a mom because I have some that just totally ignore me and other's that I spend a lot of time working with and still aren't doing well at school. Just the other day I told them, guess you all just think of me as the maid, tutor and chauffeur.
CandyOvercaffed
That's one of the reasons I wanted to ask the question. I feel like it's hard to feel "good" at parenting but truthfully we all things we are good at when it comes to our kids. Many of us (myself included) tend to focus on what we wish we did better and forget about the things we are already doing well. Also I think we have an expectation of ourselves different from the expectations of our children.
beachcitymom
Frugal Minded Mom...I can so relate to what you mean. It really does depend on the day sometimes for me too. Today was a good day and can think of many strengths....but on the tougher days...not so many. :)
jonbonjovious
I think it is easy to get swept up in the moment or week, Frugal Minded Mom and Denise. I know with my older children, I spent a lot of time at night crying myself to sleep feeling like I was failing my children. The mom gig is a tough one. Like CandyOvercaffed says, it's easy to forget but important to remember. I have a piece of paper I keep in my drawer. When I feel like a strong mom, I write down that moment, to read again and remind me when the feelings are not so great. It has helped me a lot.
Frugal Minded M...
What a great idea jonbon. Think I might have to start that. Hard to remember good things when you are feeling really down.
beachcitymom
Yes, that is a good idea!! :)
jonbonjovious
It's really a great resource. I also have a paper from a family home evening we had a long time ago where each family member wrote one positive thing about each other on a page with their name. It's amazing how simple things boost us to new heights.