tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2400651792180366460.post3660355734919019522..comments2024-03-29T01:12:05.989-07:00Comments on Love, Light, Laughter and Chocolate - One Mom's Journey: Parenting is hardKimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168884410153801082noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2400651792180366460.post-60162162453890233632013-03-21T10:14:39.207-07:002013-03-21T10:14:39.207-07:00you are not alone. <3 That's all I got. I&#...you are not alone. <3 That's all I got. I'm at the same spot with my teen. Lordy I feel like I'm failing most days.Writers_blockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02980076446817987959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2400651792180366460.post-69316775954831130992013-03-12T13:17:22.497-07:002013-03-12T13:17:22.497-07:00Parenting IS hard. And I've shared a few of th...Parenting IS hard. And I've shared a few of the challenges you've had, though certainly not all... I was a single parent to 2 boys for most of their growing up years, dealing with the emotional challenges of a father that didn't show up for them, the financial challenges of unreliable child support and one very bright son with ADD.<br /><br />When my older son was 16 and very angry & challenging, we had a conversation when I was driving him to school one morning (after he'd missed the bus ~ again!). <br /><br />This is what I told him:<br /><br />"I love you, no matter what. I know I've made mistakes, but I do the best I can for you every day with the resources I have available on that day, physically, financially & emotionally. Some days my best is better than others... Some parents may do better, based on the resources they have available. But every day I do the best I can."<br /><br />He got very quiet and then he said "I know, Mom, I love you too and I appreciate everything you do for us." <br /><br />We still had our challenges, but it was a bit of a turning point. <br /><br />I'm sure you are also doing the best you can every day with what you have available on that day! Keep that in mind when you're struggling.Dianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06663874838521685221noreply@blogger.com