Today, whilst out for a walk, my wife interviewed me. This was supposed to be a lighthearted conversation, so I could get a feeling about the kind of questions to ask that would generate a meaningful conversation for some conversations that I will have coming soon.
After a while, I realised that we probably haven’t talked this openly before about how I felt at different times throughout our parenting journey and the personal challenges and struggles that I have gone through, from when she was pregnant with our first, up to the present moment with our little one now. It was quite enlightening for both of us and useful to understand my perspective over the past couple of years, from before our daughter arrived, up to now.
This got me thinking, everyone has their own, incredibly unique story in relation to parenthood and how they may have overcome hurdles along the way. As I think about the different parenting journeys and situations that only people I know have dealt with, I realise that there is a huge variety of challenges that people face. Whether it is struggles with conceiving, bringing your kids up in a country away from your wider family, a job that takes you away from your family for extended periods of time, or shift work, there are so many factors that impact our experiences as parents. At the same time, there are many of the same apprehensions that we may share, regardless of the situation and overcoming these is an important part of the journey.
I am fascinated and excited to hear more about other people’s experiences and what has moulded them into the parents that they have become. It would also be interested to know what they might change if they had the chance, or if they just see this all as part of their personal journey.