Thriving in the messy middle of parenting
A couple of times this week, I’ve heard the term “messy middle”. And it got me thinking about what the “messy middle” looks like as a parent.
It’s where we have mixed feelings.
We feel the intensity and the pressures of parenthood.
We feel the rage, the joy and the chaos.
We’re dashing from one thing to the next.
Feeling lost at times
Doubting ourselves and our dreams.
We struggle to keep all the things that are important to us in focus.
And through all of this, we are growing and shaping this small (or not so small if you have a teen!) human in front of us.
How do we navigate our way through the messy middle so that we are not just willing our way through it, but we are thriving our way through?
Embracing Mixed Feelings: Acknowledge and welcome the blend of emotions that come with parenthood, from intense pressures to moments of joy and chaos.
Blend don’t balance: There’s no such thing as the perfect balance. Instead, focus on your flexibility to adapt to each of your roles and responsibilities. Your expectations of each day and your energy levels. In case you need a reminder, your needs matter.
Self-Doubt and Growth: Exploring the source of self-doubt and uncertainties, but recognising that these challenges contribute to personal growth and development.
Shaping Your Human’s Life: Remembering that amidst the chaos, we are moulding and influencing the lives of our children, impacting their futures. Qualify your expectations of your child for each developmental stage, and remember you're on the same team!
Thriving Through Connection: Finding ways to not just navigate but thrive in the messy middle by nurturing connections, seeking support, and celebrating the wins on the journey of parenthood.
As you show up through the messy middle, remember that it's not about reaching the end unscathed; it's about embracing the journey, the growth, and the love that comes with it. It's about thriving, not just surviving, and emerging on the other side with a deeper connection to yourself and your family.
So, keep embracing those mixed feelings, dancing in the blend, conquering doubts, shaping lives, and thriving through the power of connection. You've got this!
Much love,
Dina