For all the parents out there, what do you think are the greatest challenges in parenthood? I came across this video that we filmed when Little Buddy was six months old and thought I would share it with you. Six months was an especially difficult time for us because Little Buddy was in a sleep regression, but honestly, even though he sleeps through the night most nights at this point, life with a young child is never easy.
In the video, Mr. Handsome and I each share what we consider to be the most challenging aspects of parenthood. Feel free to give your opinions in the comments section. And if you’re wondering why Mr. H is making such a weird facial expression in the thumbnail, you’ll have to watch the video to find out.
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My daughter will be nine Friday, and my husband and I have never had a date since she’s been born. When you’re military and you move every two to three years, it’s especially hard to find a babysitter you can trust.
Oh my! You need to take care of your marriage!!! It’s important to the success of your marriage to take a little time just for the 2 of you from time to time. I’m sorry that you can’t experience this!!! If there is any way, any one you can trust for your daughter, jump in with both feet and go for it!! I’m telling you , it really revives the “coolness” of your relationship 🙂
Marriages don’t fail because 2 people didn’t find a babysitter and go out to eat by themselves. You’re making it sound so dire, Anon 8:49.
@ 4:42 Having time together doesn’t always involve “going out to eat by themselves”. Having time alone can involve sitting at a park talking, going for walks on the beach or in the neighborhood or whatever. It’s important to spend time alone together just to reconnect.
Husbands and wives could even put their children to bed early and have time together.
Thanks Regina, that’s what I meant with my encouragement…I like to think of it like, “we” came first before our children so I think it’s God given/ordained (whatever you want to call it) to consider taking care of each other and keep the connection intact so to speak with each other. And it does it good for the kiddos to see mom and dad love each other enough to take time by themselves for themselves. I think it builds security in children rather than having them think that life is all about them and they come first even before the marriage…
All I will say is that as parents, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet… Just look back to your own childhoods or those of your siblings and all the experiences your parents had, or are still having. You’re dealing with a unique developing human being, and there’s no end to what they will do or think of next to challenge you! Let’s turn the tables, too. Some parents challenge their children, especially later in life when caregivers need care themselves.
I remember those baby days well. I think the hardest thing about being a parent wanting to keep them from being hurt emotionally. I find that to be still be true even as a mother to three young adult daughters. I want to protect them but I know I can’t do that. As a Christian mom I know I have to cover them with prayer and let them know they can give their cares to the Lord.
I know you aren’t in that stage yet but that was the first thing that came to mind.
I think when I was in the young child stage of parenting we struggled with how to discipline our children. There were so many “experts” who claim this method worked or that method was best. It was mind boggling.
Then they become teens and that’s a whole different book!
I met a person from another country. Just so full of heart in some things that we rarely see that usually here. So I thought maybe as a society we (in Canada) have become more jaded than we realize. Its nice to see the real heart felt responses (and not want a person to lose that).
And..the Bible is the best book for child training. It has exactly in there what you need to do. It’s really very simple. That and the Holy Spirit can be your guide.
For me, it’s anything medical related. Our kids have food allergies, among other issues. Our oldest is prone to ear infections and is on her 3rd set of tubes. Unfortunately, that has taken its toll on her ear drum and now she has virtually no ear drum and needs surgery to patch it. I can handle no sleep, diaper blow-outs, basically anything else life throws at me but I find medical things exhausting.
I agree with you, Ellie- it’s the constancy of parenting which exhausts me. I have three children and they’re wonderful BUT… I never have a minute to myself (I work as a lawyer and then come home to care for/ co-sleep with my kids). The funny thing is, though, i think my oldest is the hardest. He isn’t draining or difficult: he dresses himself; reads for hours; helps with chores and is good company. However, I WORRY about him in a way that babies don’t cause… Is he kind? Is he happy? Is he polite? Does he have nice manners? How is he doing socially? And I suspect those worries will increase. Little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems.
The teenage years were the hardest. I watched them more closely as teenagers than I did when they were toddlers.
The teen years doesn’t need to be so hard and all drama, I want to encourage. When we start with them as babies with our training and get their will under control, you can enjoy your teen years! My daughter is almost 17 and these are precious years/times with her. She gave her heart to the Lord at 14 and she’s so very gentle, happy, respectful, and responsible. It sure is different than all the drama I’ve heard about with teens! I can say we have a lot to be grateful for.
Get their will under control?! Like what?! That sounds abusive to me. You dont think children have their own will?
My biggest challenge was my teen daughter and the DRAMA. I prayed hard for her, and the Lord answered my prayers.
You are nice people and really doing what you think is the right way to do everything I believe. The whole idea of trusting others to take your place is a big point. Another complete blog post I’d say. I’m interested that Ellie said thinking of the next thing to keep steps ahead of the baby’s next move is interesting. And this littleguy who has mommmy thinking all about him has daddy thinking how to get him out of the way for at least a date. Lol!