I was at Target yesterday and I had one of those moments where you are touched by the actions you see and are taken back by the words of a total stranger.
A man like in his late 50s was shopping for clothing with his elderly mother, I first saw him in the women’s section helping his mother select a few items, I just thought to myself how sweet. Later, I went to try something in the fitting room and he was there sitting inside the women’s fitting room and I couldn’t help but think how nice it was that this older man is shopping with his mom, he spoke to her as she was trying stuff on and offered to get more things for her and if she was ok. I guess he left because I was in there…When I walked out he was standing outside waiting for his mother and I couldn’t help but compliment him and tell him that his mother did good and how nice of him to be shopping with his mother. I told him, I hope my sons do the same with me when I’m older... that is really sweet of you.
He said to me, “well I have kids and I know how hard it is. It’s really easy to raise bad kids, But it’s not easy to raise good kids. Parenting is not easy and I appreciate my mother.“ I was taken back by his words as they are so true.
I speak to a lot of moms and dad’s and we all speak about the same thing... how hard it is, we’re tired, sleep deprived, feel guilty and are done with all the pressure that comes from being a mom and dad and everything else we have going on in our lives.
I wanted to share this with you because it hit home for me and gave me a sense of peace that it all has a purpose. The pressure, stress, it is all for the GREATER GOOD, raising a child that will be a great example in this world…ALL the dedication, love and craziness is just what it is. Sometimes you feel like you are absorbed by everything, like you are not doing enough but this man made me feel like you know what…its all good, it is part of the journey. Personally, my children are everything to me but just like you, I am human and I can be very hard on myself. It was a nice reminder to keep on going and not give up in setting my roots and foundation on my children because in the long run it will matter. It is just what it is right now, it takes time and dedication to raise children so they can be their best and that is the goal.
It is part of the process, easy is letting them do whatever they want, hard sometimes means saying no and explaining why we are not in agreement even if it means having to explain ourselves a hundred times until they get it. Sometimes you have to make those hard decisions and let your children cry, even if it drives you insane. In the long run your discipline will be the solid foundation that will be embedded in your children forever. So for now… Breathe, Focus and Stay Positive.
Diana Duran
Social Moms & Dads Blogger
www.socialmomsanddads.com
socialmomsanddads@gmail.com