Parenting CanNOT be Outsourced
If you’re a parent, then you’ve been stuck at home with your kids for almost 2 months… and you’re probably ready to get out! Or get them out! :-)
I totally get it.
I feel the same way.
Long ago were the days of some “peace and quiet” or at least a few moments at work or at home when they weren’t screaming, fighting, asking for something or fighting over which Disney+ show to watch!
“If you’re a parent, then you’ve been stuck at home with your kids for almost 2 months… and you’re probably ready to get out! Or get them out!.”
We all miss school.
Real school. Or at least the “old normal” school. You know, the school where the kids actually went to school rather than struggled to do their assigned work from a bedroom or kitchen table while struggling to pay attention to a Zoom call with their old teacher!
All this to say… during this experience that COVID-19 began, I’ve learned that:
Parenting canNOT be Outsourced.
No matter how much we long for the “old days” or we get tired of our kids… as a parent, you start to recognize that they are YOUR KIDS and you are responsible for them. You are the most responsible.
Before, it was easy to fall into the trap, thinking that other people would help care for and fix and raise your kids!
Teachers.
Coaches.
Pastors and Church Leaders.
Tutors.
Friends.
We never would say this out loud… but when those ‘other people’ spend more time with your kids than you do… it’s kind of like you are outsourcing parenting.
Now… when we actually cannot outsource parenting, I’m reminded that we really shouldn’t in the first place.
We need to lean into parenting.
Embrace it. Take it on. Win at it. Do it!
Here are 3 Quick Lessons I’ve learned about really leaning into parenting:
Prepare yourself! Take the time, when you can, for self-care and prep. Just like you would for a sports game or work presentation. You have to get your game face on and be rested, prepared, and have a plan!
Spend Lots of Time. The best parenting doesn’t happen quickly. It takes time. So spend the time. Schedule the time. Talk with and listen to your kids. Engage and play and teach and love.
Have Lots of Patience and 2nd Chances. Mistakes will be made! On both sides. You’ll make mistakes. The kids will mess up. So everyone needs to be prepared with a lot of patience and margin for 2nd chances!
There is so much that can be said… but let’s stop writing and reading and go on and parent!
You can do this!
In fact, you (the parent) are the only one that can actually do this!
Peter D Johnsen
Life. Leadership. Family.