Nobody is born knowing how to be a parent, the only abilities we’re born with is the ability to cry and the ability to learn. we cry when we’re hungry or in pain and as each need is satisfied we learn how to manipulate this big kind person who arrives when we cry.
Things change as we grow up and learn how to communicate through words, the big kind person still arrives when she’s called, however, this doesn’t happen as quickly as it used to, nor does she arrive with the same concerned expression on her face.
Then one day the big kind person turns into a stranger, they appear to grow bigger as the years of kindness fall away to reveal the boss they always were. The threats arrive instead of hugs and all hell breaks loose.
From that day forward, words are chosen with care instead of saying anything we like. We’ve met the boss and didn’t enjoy the experience so we avoid confrontation or we make sure one of our siblings is used as tester before we outline our requirements.
As we mature and have our own children we pass on the lessons we’ve learned, we may think we’ve learned how to be a parent all by ourselves until the day arrives and you say to yourself, “Oh my god, I’ve turned into my mother or father.”
Learning to be a parent doesn’t take a lifetime because if you do a good enough job they will leave the nest to make their own mistakes as parents and you can spoil your grandchildren. I’ll leave you with my favourite parenting quote;
“There is no such thing as a perfect parent, you can only hope to be good enough.”
