Here are two relevant posts from Peter Gray's substack that argue the merits of "good-enough" parenting. Sometimes less is more and inconsistent is better. Kids are more capable than we think and can fare better without intensive parenting (and the expectations that come with it)!
I relate to this challenge of showing up with consistency across competing demands through parenthood—especially with sick kids and when sleep is interrupted! I've tried to be realistic about the most important things to commit to—and take care of with consistency—so I'm not stretched too thin, and find ways to increase my capacity to care for a higher volume of responsibilities through self care, asking for and accepting help, etc. It still can feel like a balancing act through different phases.
Yes....I feel this one. It makes me think of all the things I *should* just say no to. The constant balancing act of feeling like I need to keep every ball in the air and then always running out of time and energy.
I'm also aware as this thought is forming as I type that what I should be saying no to is constantly changing too. Like sure, abandon the garden this week, but actually, sometimes, gardening is exactly the medicine I need. And so we arrive again at more inconsistency. Makes me think consistency is a lie - unattainable, unrealistic. So what do you say rule breaker? Can we throw this rule out too?
Here are two relevant posts from Peter Gray's substack that argue the merits of "good-enough" parenting. Sometimes less is more and inconsistent is better. Kids are more capable than we think and can fare better without intensive parenting (and the expectations that come with it)!
1) The Good Enough Parent Is the Best Parent
https://petergray.substack.com/p/57-the-good-enough-parent-is-the
2) Must Moms Be Everything to Their Kids?
https://petergray.substack.com/p/67-must-moms-be-everything-to-their
Oh these are gold - thank you Frank for sharing with us!!
I relate to this challenge of showing up with consistency across competing demands through parenthood—especially with sick kids and when sleep is interrupted! I've tried to be realistic about the most important things to commit to—and take care of with consistency—so I'm not stretched too thin, and find ways to increase my capacity to care for a higher volume of responsibilities through self care, asking for and accepting help, etc. It still can feel like a balancing act through different phases.
Take it easy this week! You’ll get through it!
Asking for help. Yeah... that's a thing. I need to get way better at that. And not beating myself up. Things to work on... :/
Yes....I feel this one. It makes me think of all the things I *should* just say no to. The constant balancing act of feeling like I need to keep every ball in the air and then always running out of time and energy.
I'm also aware as this thought is forming as I type that what I should be saying no to is constantly changing too. Like sure, abandon the garden this week, but actually, sometimes, gardening is exactly the medicine I need. And so we arrive again at more inconsistency. Makes me think consistency is a lie - unattainable, unrealistic. So what do you say rule breaker? Can we throw this rule out too?