Parenting is a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and memories but it is not without its difficulties. From what we have learned and continue to learn thus far, being a parent is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs a person can have. There are many difficulties that come with being a parent, ranging from financial struggles to balancing work and family life, and will be break it down as much as possible with this post.

For us one of the biggest challenges that we underestimated has been its financial impact on our family dynamics. Parenting is not cheap. We've worked the hardest since we became parents, and we each have multiple jobs, worked and paid for a Doctorate degree, and three Master degrees. So we have been "grinding" for real!

Raising a child is an expensive task , we got fortunate to raise two at once. And as we speak to other parents about our challenges, they voice similar struggles, and they all seem to find ways to make ends meet. With the cost of living continually rising, it can be difficult to provide for the basic needs of a child, let alone the extra activities, daycare, toys and clothes they want. For expecting parents and brand new parents, it is vital for you to understand that financial stress can take a toll on a your mental and physical health, therefore, it is important to seek support if you're struggling.

Another challenge of parenting that we have experienced is finding the balance between work and family life. Many parents work long hours to provide for their families, and we happen to be one of them; honestly, at times we have missed out on quality time with children. This can lead to feelings of guilt and a sense of disconnection from the family, therefore, It is important to find a balance that works for your family dynamics. We've tried flexible work hours, changed jobs, furthered our education; and this has somewhat reduced our workload and given us more quality time as a family.

Parenting can also be emotionally challenging, as children go through various stages of development and often test the patience of their parents. We can write a whole book on this. Honestly, it can be hard to know how to respond to difficult behavior, and we are still learning to remain calm in the face of it. We have found that it is important for us to remember that our children are still learning and growing, and that their behavior is a reflection of their development, not a reflection of their worth as a person. Woooosah!

Finally, there is the challenge of coping with the changes that come with having a growing family. Our relationship with each other changed with the responsibilities and new dynamics. As your children grow and develop, we see that their needs change, and this can also be difficult for parents to adjust to. In thinking positively, we cope by reminding ourselves that the change is a natural part of life, and we have not hesitated seeking help from our family when needs be.

In conclusion, parenting is a journey filled with many difficulties. From financial struggles to emotional challenges, it can be hard for parents to navigate the ups and downs of raising a family. However, with support, self-care, and a positive attitude, parents can overcome these difficulties and create a happy, healthy family life.

Thank you for reading, and please share your experiences with us. We are still learning, and still growing. And we will write more, it's been way too long.

Love,

Dennis, Lilian & Our Twins.