Parents' Corner Wednesdays: Embracing Uncomfortability


Embracing Uncomfortability


You're probably wondering what does uncomfortability have to do with parenting? I mean, like really Erica? We're parents. We’re leaders. Do we really have to embrace uncomfortability? My answer is (yep you guessed it) YES, as parents we must be able to embrace those uncomfortable moments. 


Remember the first time your child took his or her first steps? Remember the excitement that you felt? The joy of knowing that your child reached an important milestone? It was the moment you embraced uncomfortability to witness the beginning of change for your child, change for your entire household. You bore witness to change and growth for the life that found the purpose of his/her legs and with great courage decided to take those first steps. 


For many parents, soon after this moment, anxiety sets in and even fear of that child exploring the world around him/her with the uncomfortable knowledge that your child may in fact get hurt. What we do in these uncomfortable moments matter. What we say in these uncomfortable moments matter. How we respond or don’t respond in these uncomfortable moments matter.


Know that embracing uncomfortability does not mean that you will know what to say or what to do in any given situation. It just means that you will be more open to opportunities for change and growth. In your uncomfortable moment you may find that your child is just as uncomfortable as you are. You can build on uncomfortability. You can explore uncomfortability. You can have impactful conversions and listen intently in these spaces.


However, to not embrace uncomfortability does not prevent uncomfortable moments. Instead, we create walls that we don’t even realize exist. We create barriers that oftentimes prevent the sharing of truths. We create obstacles that get in the way of vulnerability. All of these can sever the bond that you would like to build and strengthen with your child.


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