Is Parenting a Thankless Task?

What I hear a lot is that parenting is it is a thankless and tiring task. I have conversations with friends frequently where they are asking me, and sometimes I am even asking them, why can’t my child be more grateful?

What I have come to believe about parenting in my own experience is that it continually pushes me to improve. It continually shows me where I can be communicating and organising myself better. It brings out the best in me in many ways, as well as and equal dose of showing me the areas I could be working on.

To bring into the world another person and raise them then set them free is not only the natural way of things, it is your own contribution to society and the world and can give you a sense of belonging.

We are put in a situation that brings about what I call magic and high energy. The magic of conception, the magic of watching the human body automatically take care of the processes it needs to do to grow - mentally, physically and emotionally, the magic of love without conditions and the magic of life.

There are times when it does seem overwhelming, tiring, and thankless and just another job. However the responsibility and accountability that comes with providing care and love to another is what makes our hearts and minds grow. I once read an article about separation that stated that when the heart is broken it has the chance to grow bigger. I actually believe this of parenting. Because with each up and with every down that is on the path of parenting our hearts recover and are bigger. With each up we feel pride and satisfaction and with each down we find a way to overcome the challenge. The world becomes bigger than just ourselves when we are parents.

So to me, parenting has made me better, brighter and bigger, and each day I feel that under the pressure I produce a more improved version of myself.
By doing this I hope I can provide an environment that my children can strive for being a more improved version of themselves each time they have challenges, struggles and difficulties, and ultimately find love without conditions in their world.

Kirsty - www.unity-qld.com.au

Babies don't suffer when mothers return to work, study reveals

This article from British newspaper The Guardian is featured in our latest newsletter. Check it out at www.unity-qld.com.au.

What great findings, fully researched, to support Parents re-entering the workforce after having their babies.

As with all things though, evaluate your unique circumstances, and find your happy medium. It is a happy 'present' parent that makes a happy well adjusted child. This has no bearing on the amount of time, totally on the quality of time. So if you are happier or more satisfied working full time or part time, this will have an effect on your child/ren. If you are happier or more satisfied at home, this again will be passed on. Take into account all areas of importance to you; financial, your time, career goals, educational goals, social and friends, family, childrens needs, health, lifestyle and recreation/holidays, then make your informed choice.

Kirsty O'Callaghan

P.A.R.E.N.T.I.N.G. Tips

I have just released my first e-book, the first of 5. The first one is "A Guide for the Ride". Check it out at www.unity-qld.com.au.

The book is full of ideas and suggestions on how to implement simple strategies so that you can keep time with your family and your needs. Over the coming weeks I plan to share some of the suggestions for you to consider.

When looking at living 'on purpose', you could consider making a family mission statement. Many corporations and businesses use these statements to guide their daily work, and to clarify their short and long-term goals. Families can also use mission statements as a tool for keeping on track; clarifying family values and guiding daily interactions.

Don't set a mission that you aren't willing to consistently practice. Once your missions are set and consistently practiced, there will be less probability for misunderstanding between parent and child.

Some ideas of words you might like to adopt are honesty, respect for others and self, personal responsibility, productivity, safety of family members, compassion, education, learning etc.

Once you have set the mission statement for your family, discuss how you could all work together to implement the daily disciplines that are practised to keep on track.

MUMPRENEUR

Recently I wrote an article for a parenting site and thought I would share some of it with you all.

A ‘Mumpreneur’ to me is a Parent who decides to balance the demands of being present for her children and meeting her own needs by creating work that is flexible, fulfilling and enjoyable.

It has been a path travelled by many, and determination and support is the only thing that has kept me at home and building my business. I began 10 years ago, and through the ups and downs it has been worth it. I got a ‘big’ picture vision in my head, however my business grew slow. In hindsight I am glad for this as it has allowed me to become an expert in my field; as well as exude my passion.

My major ups is the connection I have been able to develop by being with my children and the flexibility my hours offer; the amazing people I have met; the constant learning – personal and professional development and being in a position to facilitate and witness the greatness in people taking that step up and showing up in their lives.

The major downs include being disciplined, patient, organised, self managed and keeping my internal satisfaction high when working on my own. Even though these are downs, they are manageable and when mastered can give the edge needed to succeed.

I have created a solid professional and personal support network of people that are their when I need to debrief, feel off track or just need to ask for help. I have a select few people who also bring me back to earth and keep me real and grounded, this I love the most.

In summary I would recommend this choice for any mother looking to have it all. Keep in mind though with every gain there are some sacrifices and as long as you are aware of the bigger picture and steps that are required, do all your research and can remember your WHY, you can be there for your children, been your own ‘captain’ and pursue the field of work that excites you.

Kirsty O’Callaghan

For further information about my business please visit www.unity-qld.com.au