Parenting; It's no walk in the park!

"It's No Walk In the Park". I have always been curious about that statement. What does that phrase mean? I guess, when you think of a walk in the park, it is serene and leisurely. Maybe you might envision an elderly couple strolling arm in arm, taking in the sights and sounds of the park, while reminiscing about days gone by. So the opposite of that would be pure chaos and stress, I suppose. If that is true, than I am sure parenting is definitely "No Walk In The Park" at times. Take for instance raising an adolescent into adulthood. Oh the traumas a 13 year old must endure. I think the hardest part of parenting during these years is not reliving my own insecurities and fears through my child. That, I guess, is my challenge. To be strong enough to allow my children to make their own way, yet still be an encourager, a confidant and a parent all in one. I must remember to be their biggest fan, so they know that no matter what the day may have held for them; the good, the bad and the ugly. I will always be there to love, support and encourage them through every day. Setting aside my own feelings and fears and totally focusing on what they might be going through. It's a tough job, but I am blessed and honored to guide each one of my kids through the park.