We have all been taught to respect your elders and your parents, but it was not until I became a mother this year that I fully understood how greatly that respect is earned. Having someone sacrifice to provide, nurture, and care for a child deserves gratitude. Parenting comes naturally to some, but others have to work very hard to become the person their family needs. This holiday season is a reminder to be grateful to those who helped shape us into who we are today.
All caregivers deserve praise, but those who have carried a child deserve extra appreciation. The vulnerability of having gone through the physical changes of child bearing is unlike anything else I have experienced. Pregnancy is such a beautiful and spiritual honor, but it also permanently changes your body, is very painful, and potentially fatal. After being humbled by pregnancy, I made sure to reach out to many of my family members, neighbors, and friends who have been pregnant to acknowledge the physical trauma and emotional strength required to endure.
After pregnancy, the priority shift that accompanies child rearing completely changes one’s life. Becoming a provider, protector, nurturer, teacher, role model and much more requires major lifestyle adjustments. Personally, being a new parent has taught me the hard lesson of slowing down. I have always been a busy-body with a Type A personality who loves to stay organized and in control. Having a baby forced me to adapt my sleep schedule, outside excursions, working capabilities, relationships, and time management. Experiencing this for myself further highlighted how my husband and I, like everyone else, must rapidly evolve to provide for and nurture our baby.
Some parents had to manage alone while others were blessed with support. “It takes a village to raise a child” has never rang so true. Being a new mother, as a former babysitter and daycare worker, I now understand the importance of that role. Babysitters, nannies, extended family, and any caretakers who assist the primary caregiver are essential to the sanity and wellbeing of both the parents and the child. A relationship with a loving, trustworthy person who can care for a child like their own is indispensable.
There are many simple ways to show gratitude to those that you appreciate. If they are no longer with us, you can dedicate a donation in their honor, tell your favorite stories about them, or send up a thought or prayer of thanks. If they are physically present, you can write them a letter, make a heartfelt phone call, or send a text message to tell them how you feel. You can give a warm hug or simply spend quality time with them to express your gratitude. No matter how old we get, we are still learning and evolving, and those who assist us may appreciate the recognition.
It took so much effort and love to help mold us into the very unique and special people that we have become. Give the gift of gratitude toward those who did their best with one of the most difficult and, at times, thankless jobs. I am grateful that it took experiencing parenthood for myself to fully understand the beautiful burden of what our caretakers have experienced. If you have been involved in nurturing a child in any way, please know that you are appreciated and I am grateful for your efforts and sacrifice. You deserve praise and gratitude in doing one of the most rewarding jobs of parenting.