What if a key point of parenting is personal growth? Being more connected and loving to ourselves and to those around us. Realizing the things we are doing/saying or not doing/saying that could use some fine-tuning or a major tune-up.
“While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is really about.”
Angela Schwindt
For me, parenthood has definitely been a gateway to growth. This growth has also extended to other relationships in my life.
Here are a few of those life lessons that keep crossing my path:
Four Parenting Lessons That Led to My Personal Growth
- How we communicate really matters. Thanks to thought leaders like Brene Brown and John Gottman, I try hard to avoid blaming statements, criticism, and shaming others. Here’s a recent blog post I wrote about how simply starting conversations with “I” instead of “you” can change the whole conversation.
- The only person we can control is ourselves, but that can be really powerful. When I feel triggered by something or someone, I pause and try to ground myself, rather than reacting. Then, with a level head, I choose how to respond. I’ve noticed that when I stay grounded in these moments, the outcome shifts.
- Notice and feel our emotions instead of avoiding, ignoring or burying them. Once I explored my own Emotional Intelligence, I was better equipped to help my kids manage their difficult emotions in a healthy way.
- Gratitude. My oldest daughter turns 13 this week. 13! Our time as parents and our time on this planet are limited. As you may have noticed in my blog, family dinner has become a special time for my family to connect. Here are a few recent topics that help us stay focused on how very lucky we are.
Family Dinner Topics for Reflection and Connection
- What are you grateful for today?
- What Makes You Feel Loved?
- What About Our Family Makes You Want to Come Home?
Parenting and Personal Growth
So yes, we are going to goof up as parents, friends, partners, spouses and co-workers. But those mistakes that resurface again and again open a door to growth if we decide to dig in. In what ways has parenting or life inspired your personal growth? Please share!
About Jessica Speer:
Jessica Speer is the award-winning author of books for kids and teens, including The Phone Book – Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships and Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised.
Blending social science, stories, and activities, her writing guides readers through tricky stuff that surfaces during childhood and adolescence. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences and has a knack for writing about complex topics in a way that connects with kids and teens. Jessica regularly contributes to media outlets on content related to kids, parenting, friendship, screens, and social-emotional learning. For more information, visit .JessicaSpeer.com
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