When we become a parent, we rearrange our world. Our child(ren) become the center of our universe. We make sacrifices for our children and we are prepared to fight for them, even when they don't need us to. We become experts on princesses, Dora, Handy Manny, Transformers and Beyblades. We have the best tea parties, paint fingernails, and learn how to battle using every super hero known to man and then some. We set aside our personal wants and desires for our children's best interests. One day we wake up and realize that we no longer take time to color coordinate our nails with our outfits or our shoes with our belts. The person we see in the mirror is definitely not the person the world use to see pre-baby days. When we have a choice of going out or being with our children, obviously our kids win.
But, how far do we go to make our kids the priority? What do we teach them when we make them, and only them the center of our world? Do we give them the impression that a mother can have no life outside of her children? Do we teach our children that our romantic relationship isn't as important? Do we teach them that chasing dreams and being a success end when you have children?
How do we maintain a balance? How can we let our children know that they are the most important things in our life, but we still have a life outside of being a parent? How do we let our children know that being a parent is a huge part of who we are, but it is a part of the whole person? We are parents, daughters/sons, spouses, professionals, artists, musicians, hobbyists, athletes etc.. Isn't one of the best examples we can set, is to show them that we are all of these things, but make sure they are secure in knowing we are willing to set all of it aside out of the amazing love that only a parent can know?
I loved reading this blog. You mentioned so many emotions, actions, and beliefs that I have had watching my children grow. It seems that everything is set aside to meet the loving needs of our children. As you mentioned, do we just stop? It is so hard to make sure that everything we do can have a positive impact on how our children grow. If we mess up, it can hurt the future and how they will be able to function in society. I was determined to be an example for my children. When I began going back to school my children were in the 6th and 8th grades. Since I didn't know how to balance work, home, and school it became a challenge that I was failing. My daughters ended up getting into trouble and knew I didn't have the time I needed for them. Going to school with children is very difficult but it's making sure that you do not overload your schedule so that your children are not neglected. Meeting your children's needs does not completely mean, forgetting about who you are or what you want to achieve.
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