It’s not always easy to have the right answer, to make the right move, or to feel up to the task. But we try, out of love for our children.
We want them to be happy and fulfilled. So we do our best to meet their needs, guide them, and help them blossom. And often, it works, but we don’t stop to notice it.
Such a rich relationship!
Our lives as parents are truly full of riches: we grow through our children’s laughter, their observations make us see things differently, and we evolve together. The joy of feeling close and connected to our child can’t be beat. It’s a precious relationship that we build day by day.
Parents enjoy their role
95 %
are satisfied as parents
Source: Québec Parenting Survey, 2022
98 %
of parents are happy in their role
Source: Québec Parenting Survey, 2022
97 %
feel close to their children
Source: Québec Parenting Survey, 2022
That’s not to say that everything is always rosy. We can be satisfied as a parent while accepting that there are ups and downs. Perfection doesn’t exist—not in kids, and not in parents. We all have our challenges.
Enjoying good times as a family
As parents, we experience happy moments on a daily basis. Often, it’s in the small, simple things that we find the greatest joys! Here are some ideas to cherish these moments:
- Notice your child’s progress. They’re growing, changing, evolving, transforming… and you’re part of that journey.
- Feel proud of your child knowing that your efforts as a parent are reflected in them.
- Congratulate yourself or the other parent when you manage to keep your cool when handling a tough situation and this leads to a positive experience with your child.
- Feel the closeness to your child. When they share their joys or struggles with you, it’s because you nurtured their trust. They know you’re there for them, rain or shine.
- Notice what you have passed on. It’s rewarding to see your child embrace some of the traditions, beliefs, and interests you’ve shared.
- Enjoy family time when the joy of being together—talking, cuddling, sharing secrets, laughing, playing, etc.— outweighs everything else.
- Cherish moments spent with loved ones like extended family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues. Notice how your child creates bonds with those around you, building their own sense of belonging.
- Highlight the good times. Pointing out positive moments to your child is a habit that makes you feel good and helps you feel more connected.
“My child is always throwing tantrums!” When you stop to think about it, yes, there are tantrums, but there are also plenty of wonderful moments.
Parenthood comes with challenges but is also a source of happiness, joy, and fulfillment!
It’s possible to feel the joys of parenthood even while feeling exhausted. These two states can coexist. Parents may feel drained by daily responsibilities, for example, but still deeply happy thanks to shared moments with their kids and the satisfaction of fulfilling their role as a parent.
When we go through difficult times with our children, we can tend to generalize and believe that they’re “always” in crisis. This leads us to pay more attention to the unpleasant moments than to the good ones. As if the good times were less important, less “real”!
Our thoughts have a major influence on our emotions, which in turn affect our relationship with our child and our satisfaction levels. But the good news is that we can change this cycle by taking a step back.
So it’s worth pausing for a moment to reflect on our day, making note of what went well and what didn’t go so well. “How long did the tantrums really last?”, “What were the moments that went well?”, “What are 3 things I feel grateful for?”
Breaking down the day allows us to see the situation more clearly and objectively. This can positively affect our perceptions, emotions, and stress levels, as well as creating a more harmonious family dynamic. Also, recognizing pleasant moments allows us to enjoy them even more.
Sometimes, we get so caught up in the whirlwind of everyday life that we can’t take a step back. Seeking support from loved ones, other parents, or a professional can help us see things more clearly and challenge our perceptions.
Read on
Stress and pressure
Parental stress is real and can come from many different sources. If our stress levels are too high, they can affect our well-being and our ability to parent.
There’s no magic formula—it’s up to each parent to find the solutions that suit his or her family’s reality.
Discover ways to ease the pressure