The Dark Side of Parenting Project

Parenthood not what you thought it would be? You are not alone.

As you may know, I am the mom of a toddler now. Becoming a mom has been a great gift as well as the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. Perhaps you can relate. Recently more and more parents, especially moms, have been expressing to me this disconnect between how society portrays parenthood and what it really entails. For me, motherhood has had some moments of amazing light but also a dark side. Of course there is wide-spread information about postpartum depression but this feels different to me. As I dared to share some of my dark stories I was shocked by the outpouring that occurred by these other moms and the healing that seemed to take place as a result…the power of sharing.

The other day I had a chance encounter with some new parents who were clearly sleep deprived and looking a bit haggard. They looked at my 14 month old and said in desperation, “does it get better?” My heart went out to them.  I gave them my information and told them to contact me if they wanted some tips or simply to vent.

As I was thinking about the advice I might give them, all of the research I did and parenting wisdom that has been shared with me came flooding back, I thought I could write a book. Then I thought I COULD write a book...host an online forum...who knows...and this parenting project became an idea. It’s often said that kids don’t come with manuals. No, but perhaps future (and current) parents might find value in what I hope will be a sort of handbook/survival guide of my first year of parenthood.

This is a link to a survey to help me determine if in fact there is a void and that this parenting project might make a difference in this world. If you wish to participate in this anonymous survey, please visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NTVMRY5

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Unfortunately modern society isn’t set up that way. Perhaps though we can support, encourage and empower each other through our words. Thank you for reading this post, participating in the survey and helping spread the word about this project.

With a grateful, inspired heart
-Heather