Why I don’t consider myself a parenting expert

This was originally published in my weekly newsletter, but I wanted it to have a home here on the blog too!


I often share stories or tips about parenting both in my newsletters and on the blog, but not for one minute do I consider myself a parenting expert. I do consider myself an experienced parent – I have five kids the oldest of which is now 18 so I have been at this parenting game for a while and by the nature of having a larger family, I have repeated similar stages of parenting many times over.

I have on a number of occasions noted to my eldest that he has had it a bit rougher in some ways than the other kids. He unfortunately (and fortunately sometimes!) is the first to do most things. When these firsts arise, I am not always prepared, educated or understand the nuances of the situations. As a consequence my first attempts at managing these firsts don’t always result in me delivering the best response. At the time I think I am doing the right thing and my intentions are to manage it the best I can, but it doesn’t always work out that way.

Most of what I share in regard to tips and strategies for parenting comes from me making mistakes, working on it and getting better at it next time round. Some stages of parenting life I feel more like I know what I am doing. There are other stages where I feel a little lost and really wish I had a guide book to help me navigate the parenting waters. I sometimes wish I was a parenting expert so I would know what to do!

I do work on trying to become a better parent though. I read constantly, listen to podcasts, attend seminars, listen to other parents and listen to my kids. I do love being a parent even if I don’t know what I am doing some times. I don’t think I will ever be a parenting expert as the scope of the parenting role is so wide, so varied and so unpredictable, anytime I think I have the game sorted, a curve ball is thrown my way!

The most important thing to me is that my kids know that even though I get things wrong and I am far from the perfect parent, I love them dearly and I really do try my best.