Tag: parentshame

Parenting

Mental Illness and Parenting

by kmwisniewskiLeave a Comment on Mental Illness and Parenting
Mental Illness and Parenting

This issue is complex, but having a mental illness does not make someone less human or less worthy of parenting children. Instead, those with mental illnesses needs and challenges are not dissimilar from those of all parents striving to be successful in this role. Despite their mental health problems, limitations in energy, and time, among other negative forces such as the stigma of mental illness and associated parenting discriminations, these parents regularly feel capable of raising their children with practical strategies that lead to successful outcomes.

Parenting

Remarks of Judgement.

by kmwisniewskiLeave a Comment on Remarks of Judgement.
Remarks of Judgement.

Nothing, let me repeat for effect, NOTHING, prepares you for how hard and scary it is to be needed all the time. The pressure that accompanies it is often anticipated, and we're initially very confident. However, once it's here, along comes swift judgment and shame when even remotely acknowledging how difficult it is. Many of us don't dare breathe a word of it out loud without regret or fear that someone else will mistakenly interpret it as loving our former life more than our kids. Even though no rule says, you can't hold deep, inexplicable, self-sacrificing, love for your children, and at the same time desire to be your own person with your own space. Struggling with that will never make you a bad, selfish, or hypocritical person/parent even though it can be difficult not to feel that way at times.