Parenting is perhaps the most wondrous, terrifying, ecstatic journey available to us as human beings. It introduces us to a love stronger than anything we have ever imagined, a love so overwhelming that it is at times shocking while simultaneously pushing us to our full capacity for patience, tolerance, courage, wisdom and perseverance. We suddenly cease to be the center of our own world and shift our focus to children for whom we are now entirely responsible.
For most people who have not yet experienced it, the thought of becoming a parent inspires a combination of trepidation and exhilaration. There are so many idealized images that come to mind about the joys of raising a child, many of them similar to those mentioned above. However, there are also many fears that accompany those images. They can range from concerns about repeating the same mistakes as our own parents to fears about the world into which we are bringing our future children. Perhaps the greatest obstacle that must be overcome in order to be a successful and happy parent is letting go of the expectations of perfection. In essence, parenting boils down to our ability to manage our expectations, both those we place on ourselves and those we place on our children.
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