Tired, but Totally Rocking Parenting: The Tired Dad Chronicles
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Tired, but Totally Rocking Parenting: The Tired Dad Chronicles
Have you ever found yourself slumped over the kitchen counter, a cold cup of coffee in one hand, and a baby's pacifier in the other wondering about the many roles you've embraced since becoming a parent?
I know we've all been there—wearing the "Tired Parent" badge of honor like it's going out of style.
But...is being a tired parent really means that we're doing something wrong?
Or does it signify something deeper...something more profound about the journey of raising little humans?
Why Tired Dad?
When someone cheekily asks, "Don't you love parenting?" the dark circles under my eyes almost respond with a weary yet proud, "Absolutely, but who said love doesn't include a bit of sleep deprivation?"
This is the kind of sentiment that Jon aka The Tired Dad echoed in a podcast episode we recently shared. He playfully questioned, "Don’t you love parenting?" suggesting that being 'tired from' rather than 'tired of' parenting signifies a deep-seated passion of raising kids.
It's like wearing a badge of honor, acknowledging that YES, we're exhausted!
But only because we're pouring our heart and soul into nurturing these little beings.
And this type of exhaustion isn't your run-of-the-mill tiredness. It's a warm feeling you get from snuggling up at night, waking up early, and always keeping a caring eye out, just like parents do.
It's a wholesome exhaustion, filled with moments of joy, laughter, and sometimes, tears.
Jon put it perfectly: "If you're not tired from parenting, then what are you doing?" It's a rhetorical question that encapsulates the essence of dedicated parenting.
Because this journey isn't just about keeping our kids alive and well. It's all about being present, making sacrifices, and embracing every bit of this challenging yet rewarding experience.
And yes, it often means extreme efforts, like staying up late to soothe a nightmare or rising at dawn to prepare for the day. But ask any parent, and they'll tell you – IT'S WORTH IT.
The kind of tiredness we experience as parents is a testament to our commitment.
As Jon shared, being a tired parent signifies that we're doing something right, giving our best, and loving fiercely.
And that's a kind of tiredness I, for one, am happy to embrace.
Being Extreme, But in the Best Way
Jon's got this thing about being wired for extremes. Extreme bad or extreme good - and luckily for his kids, he's channeling all that energy into being an amazing dad.
In our recent podcast chat, he laid bare the truths of his past addiction with a candor that was nothing short of courageous. Honestly, I was in so much awe listening to him openly talk about his past because it’s not every day you encounter someone with the guts to strip down to their vulnerabilities for the world to hear and see.
Because let's face it, most people shy away from exposing their old wounds. The fear of gossip and harsh judgments is a common fear that haunts many of us. Or just the feeling of talking a painful memory, once again. I get that a lot.
But Jon was an open book. He believes that vulnerability is what frees yourself but also what changes the world and other people and I can't stop thinking just how beautiful that is!
If you're wondering how he changes, get up, and aim for the best version of himself?
It's all for his kids.
Jon really proved that we are the architects of our fate, the sculptors of our destiny, and we are capable of monumental shifts…NO MATTER HOW TRAPPED WE FEEL.
That's a lesson worth its weight in gold. He is a testament to the power of change, to the incredible feats we can achieve when we turn our 'extreme' tendencies towards the good, the noble, the loving.
And that no matter where we've been...
what we've done...
or how deep the scars run...
We have within us the power to rise. To change. To reclaim ourselves.
And isn't that the most extraordinary thing of all?
During this conversation, I found myself nodding along because I've danced in those same shoes too.
Childhood wasn't a cakewalk for me either.
Therapy wasn't just an option. It was a necessity to shred the heavy cloak of trauma so I could stand tall and strong for my own kids. After all, being a parent is all about breaking the cycle.
It demands healing and being the lighthouse in the fog for these little ones who look up to us.
So if you have extra time, I wrote a blog about giving our kiddos a childhood they don't need to heal from. Give it a go and I'm sure you'll find helpful insights with this!
The Unfiltered Truth of Parenting
During our talk, Jon pointed out the elephant in the room—or should I say, the perfectly posed, mess-free, filtered photos on social media.
You scroll through your feed, and there it is: the parade of perfect parenting. Seeing those makes you feel like you're failing at being a parent because everyone else seems to have it all together.
Spotless homes, kids with matching outfits, and a family picnic where no one is throwing a tantrum over an incorrectly peeled banana.
Meanwhile…you're over here trying to decipher whether that's chocolate or something else on the couch. Oooops!
But let's get real HOT for a second.
Comparing yourself to these flawless feeds isn't just unfair. It's toxic and unhealthy for you.
Because it sets up this impossible standard that NO ONE—not even those in the photos — can live up to.
Every family has its own rhythm (and chaos), and that's perfectly okay.
On top of that, parenting is not a competition.
It's not about who has the smartest kid or the cleanest house.
Rather, it's those little moments, like when your kiddo finally nails the art of using a spoon, and only half the meal ends up on the floor. Victory! 🏆
So when you find yourself slipping into the comparison trap, remember this: those social media snapshots are just a fraction of the story.
Behind every "perfect" picture is a parent who also deals with the 3 A.M. monster hunts, the science projects that somehow require a PhD, and the never-ending "why" phase.
So, take a breath, embrace your unique journey, and if you can...share your own unfiltered moments. Because those are the stories that make us laugh, connect us, and remind us that we're all in this beautifully messy thing called parenting together.
And isn't that what it's really all about?
Embrace the Tiredness, the Chaos, and the Love
Because it's all part of this crazy, beautiful journey called parenting.
And it's worth every sleepless night.
So if you want to learn more of this, join us in our latest podcast episode! Jon and I will explore the hidden joys and proud moments of parenting.
We'll talk about why being a tired parent isn't something to be ashamed of, but rather a badge of honor that tells a story of love, dedication, and unforgettable memories.
Tune in now!
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