You’re Doing Just Fine! 5 reassurances to tell yourself in the new year.

As we head into the new year, lets all vow as parents to “Let It Go”! Let go of all the past worries, negativity, and self-doubt. This is a great chance to kick off a new mindset and to think about all the accomplishments you have made over the past year. Sometimes we seem to only focus on the negatives in parenting. We worry that we are doing a “bad” job at this parenting gig. But you know what, the parents that worry that they are screwing up royally, those are the ones doing the best jobs. You are analyzing most choices you make daily regarding your child and worrying if you have made the best choice. You deeply care and You are doing FINE! As we begin a new year with a clean slate, remind yourself these 5 things.

1. My Child IS happy. They are. You know it, deep down under the grumpy cat face or the meltdown in the store your little one is happy. You make them happy. From the tiny details of making sure their favorite flavor of yogurt is stocked in the fridge, to planning the annual birthday party. You make your child happy every day.
2. It’s okay if my kid eats the French fry off the floor. Yeah, it happens. They will be fine and will not get some wacky illness. Kiddos just go with it for the most part and we should too. Its just not going to be perfect all the time. Stop trying to be the perfect Pinterest parent, life is just not that perfect. A few dropped fries here and there won’t kill us.
3. I am not alone! No matter the situation, some one else’s kid has done whatever horrific thing your child just did. Your kiddo may surprise you from time-to-time and it we just need to keep our cool, no embarrassment necessary.
4. It’s okay to be mad. We are our own person outside of being a parent. There are things that happen daily that are so frustrating that our children do. You can be mad about things but handle it in an appropriate manner when around your children. When the little one knocks over and breaks the vase that has been passed down to you, yeah you are going to be a little pissed. Pause, breath, and tell your child you are upset. Communicate to them calmly and let them know how you feel. It shows them you get mad too and how to handle it.
5. I can take time for me. Dads and Moms need to regularly have ‘me’ time. Self-care is so important when you are a parent. We are always the last ones to get new underwear. WHY?! You need to remember to make time for you and to take care of your needs; mind, body, and soul in order to be a better parent. Don’t forget to care about yourself as well as your kiddos.

Throwing out all the parent doubt will relieve some major worry. Do yourself a favor and ‘Let It Go’. Yeah, you know the song…we all do. It’s a great reminder to let go of the negative thoughts and to reassure ourselves that we are doing the best job as parents as we can. Love your babies with all you’ve got and see the positives rather than the negatives in the new year!

-Ms. Whitney
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Curriculum Coordinator