Parenting Pep Talk

by Liz Arrington

Ispend a lot of time with parents, especially moms. Most often, the ideas I have for my articles for Pinpointe magazine come from the conversations I have with my own friends, parents I work with in my music classes, what I observe in various different mom groups and influencers on social media. I look for patterns and consistency in the memes we share, the questions we ask each other. The fears, concerns, and successes that we share with each other online and, less often these days, on playgrounds. These conversations and social media trends are a valuable barometer for what is going on in our community, and a reflection of our culture. Let me tell you what I’m hearing and seeing right nowwe are exhausted. Conflicted. Trying to make decisions about schooling, social interactions, extra curricular activities. We are trying to balance the health and safety of our families and community against the needs for our own sanity and well-being. We are trying to work, provide for the growth of our children, plan for the future, maintain relationships with friends and family, and make room for our own physical and mental health needs. It’s really a lot. We’ve been carrying this load for nearly a YEAR. This current stage of confusion and overwhelm is different than what we collectively experienced last spring. I almost have to laugh at my early attempts to maintain “normalcy” in the early days of quarantine. So many craft projects, so many “schedules”, so much screen time. I was so worried about the unknowns, trying to redefine my own parenting style, reevaluate my priorities and values. I have had countless conversations with other parents who have been growing through this process along with me. As we have moved through the months, making adjustments as we go, I am picking up on a renewed sense of “we got this”. We may be overwhelmed, tired, conflicted, unable to plan more than a month into the future. But we are living this life. We have become more flexible, more understanding, more open to embrace the uncertainty and celebrate small victories. Our kids are learning, they’re growing, developing amazing new talents and skills. They are funny, and smart, and even when it seems like they aren’t listening, they are watching. I am so encouraged by the parents that I interact with out here in the world. You are enough, you have taught your kids so many important life skills by simply making it through this past year. I am seeing more and more messages of hope for the future, confidence in our own abilities, and faith in our community to lift up and support each other through yet another year. May we be the encouragement and inner voice that tells our children that they are valuable, powerful, and deserving of every opportunity they dare to dream of. This is reflected in the ways that we speak to each other, how we participate and engage in social media and online interactions, the messages we give our children about the world and our role in it. We have the opportunity to keep moving ahead in a positive and uplifting way in spite of ongoing tension and uncertainty. Our children really are watching. Keep it up parents, you got this!

Liz Arrington combines her background in working with children and families with her love of music, to provide early childhood music and movement classes to the families of Cypress. Online music classes also available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com.