Three Reasons Why Being Human Helps in Parenting

Three Reasons Why Being Human Helps in Parenting

Parenting is an incredible journey filled with excitement, learning, and personal growth. Yet, many parents can relate to the feeling of uncertainty—questioning their preparedness and abilities. If you've ever wondered whether you were truly ready for parenting, you're not alone. The reality is, no school truly prepares us for this vital role, and even premarital counseling often fails to cover parenting in depth.

That’s why embracing our humanity is key to effective parenting. Here are three powerful reasons why being human actually helps in parenting:

1. You Are a Work in Progress

One of the most reassuring truths about parenting is that you don’t need to have all the answers. You've never been a parent before, and each child brings a unique experience. This means that parenting should be approached with a growth mindset—an openness to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Mistakes will happen, but each challenge is an opportunity to grow. When parents see themselves as a work in progress, they become more patient, adaptable, and compassionate toward themselves and their children.

Recommended Book: "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson – This book offers strategies to help parents and children navigate challenges with a growth mindset while fostering emotional intelligence.

2. You and Your Child Are Both Human

A fundamental truth that strengthens the parent-child bond is the recognition that both of you are human beings with intrinsic worth. Your value as a parent is not based on your achievements in parenting but rather on your inherent dignity as a person. Likewise, your child is not valuable because of their grades, behavior, or accomplishments—they have worth simply because they exist.

Understanding this creates a home environment where love is unconditional. Your child should feel secure knowing that they are loved for who they are, not for what they do. This security fosters confidence and resilience, allowing them to explore life without the fear of losing their parents’ acceptance.

Recommended Book: "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish – A must-read for parents who want to foster open communication and nurture their child’s self-esteem.

3. You Can Seek Help from a Higher Power

Parenting can be overwhelming. There will be moments when you don’t have the answers, when emotions run high, and when fatigue sets in. Recognizing that you are human means acknowledging your limitations—and that’s okay. This is where faith and spirituality can provide strength and guidance.

The Bible reminds us in Psalm 127:3 that "children are a heritage from the Lord." This perspective shifts our mindset from ownership to stewardship. Our role as parents is not to mold our children into our own idealized versions but to guide them in becoming who they were created to be. Turning to God for wisdom and support can bring peace and assurance in the most challenging parenting moments.

Recommended Book: "Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family" by Paul David Tripp – A faith-based guide on how to parent with grace, humility, and a reliance on God’s wisdom.

Conclusion

Being human is not a weakness in parenting; it is a strength. Recognizing that you are a work in progress allows you to grow, understanding that both you and your child are human fosters unconditional love, and seeking help from a higher power provides wisdom and strength. Parenting is a journey, not a destination—one that is filled with lessons, challenges, and immeasurable joy.

What are your thoughts on this? Have you had moments where you realized the power of simply being human in your parenting journey? Leave your comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more SHAPE parenting insights!

Key Words: SHAPE Parenting, Parenting Adventure, Work in Progress, Learning & Unlearning, Intrinsic Worth, Human Connection, Unconditional Love, Seeking Help, Supernatural Guidance, Stewardship, Psalm 127, Parental Preparedness, Evolving as a Parent, Open Mindset, Validation vs. Security