There Is No Art to Parenting.

Our #children are precious. And as #parents, we care more about them than we do about ourselves. We want to avoid making any mistakes that may damage them or ruin their future.

However, often we’re so narrowly and fearfully focused on the well-being of our children that we often lose sight of the fact that we are part of their bigger picture.

We want the best for our children, yet at the same time, we want to produce a masterpiece of parenting. This creates internal conflict within us because, on the one hand, we are focused on their needs while, on the other hand, we are focused on what we need from them.

In pursuit of bringing out their best, we closely analyse everything they do and say. Then, like a potter working clay, we carefully?mould?and scold them into their “best” shape for life.

Other times we want a masterpiece. And so, as Michelangelo presented with a delicate marble block, we?envision the statue of David?hidden within. Then we creatively chisel and chip away at everything that is not that vision of whom we want our child to become.

We need to correct this common mistake in #parenting and other close relationships.

There is no art to parenting because our children are not works of art. They have feelings, opinions and beating hearts. Instead of moulding and chipping away to bring out the “best” in our children, we must remember that we are part of their bigger picture. And so we must #rolemodel the behaviour we want from them. We must lead by example through our actions more than our words. Modelling self-care is a great place to start.

In the following articles, I’ll be sharing simple, practical ways you can role model #selfcare daily for your kids. Because when you #leadbyexample they will follow…eventually.

Let’s make parenting healthy and happy!

Dr. Masi