In this episode, Kerri Adams and Christina Eromenok explore the conversation of parental emotions, shedding light on the less-discussed facet of parents grieving and embracing their child’s uniqueness in the journey of raising children.
As parents, we often carry expectations about our child’s gender, appearance, and characteristics, and this episode confronts the reality that these expectations may not align with the unique individuality of the child we have. We navigate the societal pressures that say parents should be overjoyed and grateful, and share common experiences of feeling a disconnect between expectations and reality.
We compare the process of having a baby to meeting a stranger, emphasizing that parenting is an ongoing journey of getting to know this stranger at every stage of development. From the toddler years to the tween and teen phases, each transition brings a mix of joy and sadness as parents bid farewell to the previous stages.
However, rather than dwelling solely on the challenges, we encourage parents to acknowledge the grief, embrace the accompanying emotions, and shift their mindset towards appreciating the strengths their child possesses. Through insightful activities and a compassionate discussion, we guide parents in discovering the transformative qualities their child brings to the table.
Tune in for a raw and empowering conversation that normalizes the complex emotions of parenting, offering a comforting reminder that joy and sadness can coexist, shaping a richer and more authentic parenting experience. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and acceptance, celebrating the unique individual your child is becoming.