Tales From The Crib: Lauren
Lauren lives in Vancouver with her husband and four children. Lauren is kept quite busy working as an Occupational Therapist and raising four children, ages 9, 7 and twin 1 year olds.
Well Parents Centre: What have been your biggest challenges since becoming a parent? What have you found helpful to address these challenges?
Lauren: I am a mom of 4(!!) kids ages 9, 7, and twin 1 year olds. Doubling our family from 2 kids to 4 overnight was a game changer! My largest challenge is finding balance. My whole last pregnancy I worried myself sick wondering how I would ever juggle the demands of two little babies and still give the attention needed to my "big" boys. Having to do homework with one child while nursing the other was definitely a juggling act. I have found that I have to allow people to help me - accepting help willingly and delegating are musts. I began to see myself as the "CEO" of our house and learned to embrace the organized chaos. I have also taught my older boys that we are all in this together and they are learning to help each other and their younger siblings on their paths to becoming more independent. I've learned to relish the one on one time I get to spend with each of my children every day, and do my best to make them each feel special.
Having twins can be very isolating. It is much more challenging to go out for coffee or a mommy and baby class like you can do with a singleton. Getting out of the house is a feat in itself!! I was lucky enough to be in a Facebook group with other twin moms as well as have a few twin mom friends so it helped me realize I was not alone in this craziness.
WPC: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your pregnant self?
Lauren: If I could back in time, I would tell myself that I was far more capable than I thought. That faced with challenges, I could rise to the occasion. I wish I didn't spend so much time doubting myself and my partner's abilities.
WPC: If you could, what is one thing you’d change about parenthood in our culture?
Lauren: In this age of social media predominance, parenting sometimes can feel like a competition. Stop the madness and stop judging yourself against your social media peers. Despite appearances, I'm sure they're all struggling too!
For support and to share your experiences without judgment, our Parenting Consultation & Support services are here to help.
