June 1st is set aside as the Global Day of Parents. Parents unite. We need each other and even more so, we need to have each other’s backs. For parenting is not a journey for the faint hearted.
And I think we can all do better at this. It is so easy to see the child having the temper tantrum rather than the mother looking on horrified. Or to decry the poorly behaved teenager rather than imagine the parents behind the scenes feeling completely helpless.
Recently I flew on a long-haul flight. On board was a young mother travelling solo with three children under 4 years old. She set up a row of rear seats with blankets, pillows, food and entertainment to settle in for the next 11 hours. And she was a wonder. She kept them rallied and in check. Every now and then one would break the code and climb across the seats and other passengers. With a firm word and gentleness she would haul that child back into line.
As we left the plane, I turned to tell her that she was simply amazing. And her children were a credit to her home. She looked shocked and delighted.
It was the Global Day of Parents on the first of this month but let’s stretch it across 365 days. Let’s remind another parent that they are indeed absolutely brilliant.