Your child is difficult part two
Is motherhood easy? Truth be told no matter what you do,  it's not easy. However,  just because it's hard at times or maybe daily, doesn't mean your child is difficult. It means they are seeking support. Maybe support you aren't currently equipped to offer. 

Or

Perhaps motherhood feels a little harder because you've made the decision to raise your child against the grain? If this is the case, you've most likely had some judgement from others at some point in time or you've felt eyes on you and heard comments made about the way you handle things. Or perhaps you have been made to feel that things would be easier if you just did xyz and followed the rules...

Unfortunately, we live in a world surrounded by adults that were raised to be seen and when they see children acting like children, they feel shame and become uncomfortable. When you stop to think about it, it's really unfortunate.

So how do we parent against the grain? We find those on the same path and we reach out. We share stories and we talk. We do not hide behind closed doors believing that we are alone. We do not hang our heads when our child acts like a child in public. We model for the world how we are raising our child and we ignore the eye rolls and comments. WE DO OUR THING! 

Sidenote-when I say acts like a child, I mean it in a good way. Our children should be able to be who they are developmentally. They should have strong emotions and express them in ways we may not love- its why they have us to model healthy and safe ways to express ourselves. It's not our job to silence our children, though we can help them feel safe enough to turn the volume down a bit depending on the situation. 

I have watched children from kindergarten through college, I have seen the full circle of gentle parenting. Every gentle parent I have spoken with has said, they would do it all again knowing the outcome. 

So while you may be in the trenches, know that the heart work/the hard work you are putting in now, will come full circle. 

This isn't about allowing your child to do as they please with zero boundaries, it's about understanding our children and guiding them to become emotionally sound adults. 

I have wanted to create a space to share stories of parenting in the trenches and I am considering a few options, but for now if you have a story, especially a full circle story that you would like to share-Send my way. You can remain anonymous or I can include a link to your website, IG or FB account. I will be sharing these mixed in between my regular blog posts. 

Hugs to you all
Joey

PS
Thank you for ignoring my typos
Especially when you read via your email. I fix them on my blog, but it doesn't resend to email. 


0 Comments

Leave a Comment


Meet Joey Hodlmair

 
Hello! I'm Joey,

A 41 year old mama of one, my miracle baby. I'm a lover of all things nature and you'll often find me barefoot in the garden. I was raised "wild" as many would call it today. I spent my days outside as a child, collecting rocks and sticks and swimming with my ducks. We made beautiful art from our nature treasures and ate lunch with dirt under our nails. The best part~I was raised by my mom. Unfortunately a woman that didn't know her worth and to this day wonders if the childhood she provided us was enough.

My mom and my childhood~Are the reasons I'm here in this space. To encourage you to find the calm in where your heart calls you to be. To encourage you to leave the hustle behind and be connected with what truly matters. 

I wasn't raised with all the latest and greatest,  but I was raised at home by a mama that made the mundane, magical. Her time was and is a gift. I'm here to tell you to let go of what the world wants you to believe a child needs in order to be happy.

More about me~ I am an empath, raising an emapth. My work is currently supporting families raising emapths.  My love language is acts of service, but I'm working on putting myself at the top of the list. I can play several instruments by ear, but the cello is probably my favorite. I'm a recovering workaholic, once a woman that believed her worth was determined by how much she accomplished...I love homemade food and meals at the table. I am an introvert, that loves being home, yet craves connection. I'm Hispanic, Chinese and Native American. I'm a infertility warrior that once dreamed of 7 children. I'm a work in progress and thankful for this chapter in my life that has taught me to never judge a book by its cover.  

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including Joey Hodlmair.