Parenting Blog

"Dr. Laura- You really made my day, and my year!  I never expected you to print my letter, or to get letters from so many parents. I will look at these letters any time I need to know I am not alone and that this is all worth it.  I am going to bed when the kids do, I wake up earlier, I am more rested, and more patient. Now I'm taking your vow of Yellibacy and trying to stop yelling by Christmas.  My kids say that would be the best present ever so I am hoping I can really do it. Thank you to the parents who wrote, and to you. I promise I will make you proud." -  Gratefully, Lindsey

"I have saved every email I receive from you, Dr. Laura, but this one (8 Essential Wisdoms from Everyday (S)Heroes) is by far the best.  It is so amazing to know that there are SO MANY OTHERS out there with the same struggles as I have.  I love reading these stories and I so appreciate the time you took to put it all together like this in these 8 essential wisdoms. Many brought tears to my eyes and many made me wish I knew these people so we could be friends and talk about this stuff and encourage each other. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!" - Amy

Last week, I ran a note from Lindsey, who was wondering if the hard work she was doing -- trying to manage her own emotions and see things from her kids' point of view -- was worth it.  I asked you to help Make Lindsey's day by sharing your own parenting successes.  The response was overwhelming--an outpouring of loving, thoughtful, honest letters of struggle and human frailty and love that brought me to tears over and over again.  I forwarded many of them to Lindsey, with identifying info removed. As you can see by Lindsey's note above, mission accomplished!

I also heard from many readers, like Amy, who found sustenance in these stories. They're a poignant reminder that we all have hard times when we need a lifeline of love and encouragement to sustain us.  Please read and savor these letters, and appreciate all those parents who are earning their angel wings every day.  You'll find smart strategies, success stories and words of encouragement to help you cope any time you need some tea and sympathy. The same themes repeat over and over: connection, compassion, empathy, self-care, healing, one step at a time.  But the first step always seems to be embracing yourself with compassion and empathy.  Love never fails. 

As promised, I've now created a page on the Aha! Parenting website for all these wonderful stories from parents, and want to share the wealth with you.  Here's the link:  Parenting Wisdom and Success Stories from Everyday Heroes.  Please note that there's also an ever-increasing stream of comments on the original post, Make Lindsey's day, and if you haven't written, it's not too late to leave your comment there. I look forward to this discussion continuing on the original post, reminding us that no matter how hard it gets, we are never alone as parents.  So thanks for making Lindsey's day--from the Lindsey in all of us.