parenting journey Archives

You’re not alone.

That’s a message we need to hear more often, especially when it comes to parenting. As if the job wasn’t hard enough, feeling lonely can make parenting feel impossible.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can get through this, and we’re here to help. Below are some tips for battling loneliness as a parent. We hope they can help you find your tribe and feel less alone.

Nurture relationships outside of parenting

Reconnect with old friends, or make some new ones.

The more people you have in your life who you can rely on and talk to, the less lonely you will feel.

And don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Make time for the things you enjoy, even if they don’t involve other people.

Spend time in nature, read a book, and take a warm bath. Relaxing and rejuvenating activities like these will help you recharge so you can face the challenges of parenting with fresh energy.

Get involved in online communities

There are communities for parents of all ages, stages, and backgrounds.

You can find groups for parents who are just starting, for parents of kids with special needs, for stay-at-home parents, for working parents, and more.

The great thing about online communities is that you can be as involved as you want to be. You can read posts and stories, or you can jump in and start participating in discussions.

You can also find communities that match your interests—for example, if you love to cook, there are probably online groups for self-made chefs who are also parents. Spending time in these online communities can help you feel connected to other people who understand what you’re going through. And it can also give you ideas and support for dealing with the challenges of parenting.

Talk to family and friends

Image Credits: americareinfo.com

Loved ones may be able to offer help and support, and relate to what you’re going through.

Of course, it’s not always easy to reach out and ask for help. You might feel like you’re supposed to be able to do everything on your own, but that’s simply not true. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. So if you’re feeling lonely, pick up the phone or send a text to a friend or family member today.

Find joy in group activities

It may feel daunting to put yourself out there, but know that you are not alone in your feelings of loneliness.

Finding a group to join can be one way to ease these feelings and provide some much-needed companionship. There are groups for just about everything these days, so there is one sure to fit your interests.

Joining a group can also help you find new hobbies. If you want to try something new or get back into an old hobby, joining a group is a wonderful way to get started. Not only will you have others to help support and encourage you, but you will also likely make some new friends along the way.

When you’re parenting on your own, it can be tough to deal with feelings of loneliness. But you’re not alone in this as there are plenty of other parents out there who are feeling the same way. And don’t neglect taking care of yourself. Make sure to exercise, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. This will help to enhance your mood and drive you to feel more optimistic about running the parenting race.

Why comparison steals joy from parenting

When you’re out and about with your child and you see another parent with a kid that’s a little “better behaved”, it’s natural to compare.

You may not even realize you’re doing it, but if you’re not careful, the comparison trap can steal your joy from parenting. The thing is, every child is unique. They grow and develop at their own pace, and there’s no magic age that makes a child “good.”

Why comparing your child with others is dangerous

You might be tempted to compare your child with other kids at school, or with the neighbor’s toddler who can already speak. But doing this is dangerous, and can have long-term effects on your child’s self-esteem.

Here’s why: when you compare your child to others, you’re telling them that they’re not good enough. You’re implying that someone else is better than them, and that’s a hard thing for a child to hear.

It can make them feel like they’re never going to be good enough, no matter what they do. This can lead to a lot of insecurity and self-doubt in your child, which can stay with them for years to come.

How to focus on the process instead of the outcome

Image Credits: raisingchildren.net.au

When you focus on the process instead of the outcome, you’re able to see your child’s development more clearly.

This is because you’re not constantly comparing them to other children and looking for ways to prove that they don’t measure up.

Instead, you’re able to appreciate the small steps that they’re taking and the progress that they’re making. And when you can do this, it’s much easier to enjoy the journey instead of always feeling like you’re coming up short.

So how can you focus on the process instead? One way is to set goals for your child that are based on their age and development level. This way, you’re not comparing them to other children who might be ahead of them.

Another way is to celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small. This will help you see their progress and appreciate all that they’re doing instead of always focusing on what they haven’t done yet.

Embracing and celebrating individual differences

When you stop comparing your child to others, you make space to celebrate their unique talents and quirks.

You see them for who they are, not who you want them to be. And guess what? When you do that, they blossom.

They become more confident and secure in themselves, and that allows them to take risks and explore the world in their way. So instead of comparing your child to others, take a step back and embrace their differences.

It’s hard not to compare our children to others. We see other children excelling in one area or another and we can’t help but wonder why our child is not as good. We start to question ourselves as parents and wonder what we are doing wrong. But the comparison trap can make our kids feel like they are not good enough and that can lead to low self-esteem. It can also cause them to compare themselves to others, which can lead to envy and resentment. Be proud of your children for who they are and not for what they can do. Encouragement far exceeds criticisms.