Spring2024
Motherhood
“Ilovemysonmorethanlifeitself,buttherearealsodayswhenImissmy freedomanddayswhenIfeeltotallyunpreparedtobeaparent.”
It’strue,therewillbetimeswhenbeingamomwillbesmoothandpredictable,and thentherewillbedayswhenyouwonderhowonearthyouwillsurvive.
“Mychildhoodwasn’tthebest,andIhatewhenIhearmyselfsayingsomethingI heardmymomtellmeasakid.Iamworkinghardtobeadifferentparent.”
Eachmother’sexperienceisunique,andthesecommentsrepresentasliceofa widerconversationaboutfeelingsandtheinfluenceofone’supbringingaseach momnavigatestheirownparentingjourney.
Each year we survey children, youth, and parents across Central Oregon using our “I Wish” statements, and yes, we receive some that are difficult to hear. However, today we want to share some of the “I Wish” statements for all those in the role of a mom.
While raising tiny humans or rebellious teens can weaken even the most confident of mothers, keep in mind this is a
“I Wish My Mom knew” time of learning and growth, which is to say it can be challenging.
Parenting is important and difficult work – treat yourself with compassion, you are evolving. Continue to seek out information and support that works for you.
“Motherhood is a choice you make every day to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong." - Donna Ball, author
Reflection and Celebration
During May’s Parenting Educator’s Conference at Oregon State University, keynote speaker, Kemy Joseph, focused on how service providers can understand, and implement, the importance and value of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). We were challenged to think about how we can engage families in these areas of belonging and ask high-impact questions that increase trust and provide positive experiences.
Wayne Dyer
Family Resource Center is celebrating local parent educators, home visitors, and over 30 years of providing support services to Central Oregon families!
“Learning about labels and how children live up or down to those labels really made me stop using them and focus on encouragement.” - class participant
“I absolutely adore and love these parenting classes they are amazing. I've learned a ton of new skills and I'm very much enjoying using them, I feel like my house is calmer."
- class participant
