Despite my firstborn being (newly) ten months old, and very nearly being in the third trimester with my second, I don’t identify as a parent (yet).
Maybe that’s par for the course… I wouldn’t know, still being a new mom.
Maybe it has more to do with me having to develop the maternal instincts that come so naturally to many others.
Regardless, to me, being a “parent” is so much more than producing a baby.
Pssst! Curious about my lack of maternal instincts, or interested in trying to develop them yourself? Read more about my journey From Clueless to Developing Nurturing Instincts.
Identifying as a Parent
Although likely different for every person, to me parenting is so much more than just having a child. A parent doesn’t have to be biological.. and although the dictionary definition is quite simple, the role of a parent is so much more than it would indicate.
So, what makes a parent?
As indicated above, no one answer would truly suffice – but in a simplistic view, to me, a parent is someone who raises a child. Please bear in mind that is a VERY simple answer, and by no means covers every aspect of parenthood.
Allow me to also clarify: “raises” a child entails so much. Discipline, love, training… the list could probably go on for awhile.
Being a Parent: The Journey
After defining so many terms, it’s time to explain WHY I don’t identify as a parent (yet). And the simple answer (again) is, parenthood is a journey. My journey along this road has barely begun, and as such, I have not undertaken many of the tasks required.
There haven’t yet been those toddler years where I’m told the desire to rip my hair out will likely ensue… or the teen years where attitudes are (apparently) commonplace. But regardless of where this journey of parenting leads, it feels too early to call myself a parent (although technically I very much am already one). Someday soon, I may feel like the title has been “won” or “earned”, but who knows when (or if) that day will come. Maybe one day I’ll wake up feeling like a “parent”. We’ll see.
Do you identify as a “parent”? Let me know in the comments below!
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
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