I fondly consider myself an affirmation enthusiast. There’s something incredibly gratifying about hearing someone acknowledge my efforts and successes, whether it’s a grand proclamation like “Your drive will change lives” or a simple remark like, “Wow, your home is impressively tidy.” I collect these acknowledgments like they are precious tokens.
Among the various roles I play, the one I cherish the most is being a parent. What parent doesn’t seek reassurance that they’re nurturing their children well? It’s uplifting when anyone, be it a friend or a stranger, takes a moment to affirm your parenting prowess with comments like, “You’re doing an amazing job.” Those words can lift you to new heights of confidence, particularly on the challenging days.
While there’s nothing wrong with appreciating compliments, the challenge I face (and perhaps you do too) is my tendency to measure my worth against the opinions of others. I rely too heavily on outside validation rather than celebrating my own achievements. This pattern can be exhausting and counterproductive.
Imagine spending a delightful day with my children and a friend, during which my kids exhibit exemplary behavior—being polite, waiting their turn to speak, and even using tissues instead of my shirt for runny noses! Instead of taking pride in their behavior, I find myself anxiously awaiting my friend’s acknowledgment of their good manners and my parenting skills. I’m well aware that I should be patting myself on the back for this triumph, but instead, I choose to wait for external validation.
This waiting game is a waste of precious time. Although we all crave reassurance from others, it’s crucial to also learn how to be our own cheerleaders. Sometimes, you must take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments and give yourself the credit you deserve. Parenting is a tough gig, and it’s all too easy to dwell on what we perceive as failures.
When was the last time you recognized how well you managed a difficult situation with your child? Have you ever paused to appreciate your ability to remain calm in the face of teenage rebellion? We must model self-belief for our children, teaching them to trust in themselves as we simultaneously cultivate our own confidence.
So, stop waiting for someone else’s praise—be the one to acknowledge your efforts. Look in the mirror and remind yourself: “I’m doing a fantastic job as a parent, and my children are fortunate to have me.”
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Summary:
Acknowledging our accomplishments as parents is essential for self-confidence. Instead of waiting for validation from others, we should learn to appreciate our own efforts. By modeling self-belief, we set an example for our children, helping them grow into confident individuals.