The Parenting Oasis Villiage August 31, 2008
I have heard from a few parents this week about what Parenting Oasis has meant to them. This helps when I get frustrated with fundraising and feel like I just can’t make another muffin. It reminds me how lonely and isolated I was as a mother 6 years ago. Although I have friends and family in town, I felt alone as a mom of a newborn. And I believe social isolation is dangerous to parenting and general stress management. Left to our own devices, most of us are too critical, too hard on ourselves. We forget that raising kids is hard, that all mommas get tired and that mothering is mostly art, not science. Throw in a little sleep deprivation and a little societal devaluation of your role and it is hard not to believe that your children deserve better than your best.
An endless supply of love, patience and understanding is what children require to thrive. It is also what mothers require in order to meet the needs of their own children. If nothing else, Parenting Oasis offers mothers a chance to fill their tanks. Take a breath and regroup. Being responsible for a little person’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is formitable but knowing that we are doing it together makes the task easier.
If you have been meaning to come in and haven’t this is the week, schedule a massage with Kristin or come to the New Mommy group on Tuesday or come hear Dr. Dotto talk kids nutrition. Or simply come sit on the couch and have a muffin. It will help, I promise.
Maureen parentingoasis@gmail.com