The Parenting Challenges Edition of the Talk of the Parent Blogosphere

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Monday marked a sad and important day for many parents around the world – National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day. As truly painful as this day is for parents, many brave bloggers have chosen to speak out to share their stories with the world, to let others know they are not alone.  In life, I cannot think of a more challenging season to face than the one of loss. Mommy B shared her story of loss, love and finding peace with her readers Monday, remembering her lost little one while gently reminding those who may not have experienced this type of loss that planned or unplanned, the loss is still genuinely felt.  Kristie, from Saving Dollars and Sense, reminded her readers that pregnancy and infant loss is not rare and that while you may not realize it, one in four women have real experience with this heartache.  She also reminds those who have experienced this loss that they are not alone.

Need a further reminder that you’re not alone?  On October 15th, at 7 p.m., people all over the world lit candles in memory of the infants they have lost during what is known as the International Wave of Light. Jana explains the significance and symbolism behind such a beautiful display while also including a list (with names submitted by her readers) of some tiny angels that made an impact on lives around the world.  I was truly touched by the idea of an continuous light encompassing the world and hugging those who need it most.  In another display of spreading light and finding hope in the darkest of challenges, Jessica from Four and an Angel shared a very poignant moment in her life from over the weekend that helps show readers that out of our struggles and darkest hours, we can often find the most beautiful moments of hope and peace.  While it is difficult to read stories of loss and heartache, it is important that we band together as a community and as parents to support one another, to offer light in times of darkness, education in places of ignorance and to be a soft place to land for those who need it.

The challenges a parent faces aren’t always so heartbreaking, but they can be frustrating, gut wrenching and downright annoying.  This week bloggers all over the space were sharing about their current challenges, including how frustrating it can be to have to force your own family members to enforce and respect the boundaries you, as the parent, have set up, as Military Money Chica pointed out in her post about rogue family members this week.  Some of the hardest challenges we, as parents, will face as our children grow is how to help them deal with the changes and pains they will face as they grow.  Erin from A Parenting Production knows just what I’m talking about since this week her precious little boy is recovering from some boo-boos on his face and is struggling with some self-esteem issues, as Erin points out there just isn’t a how-to manual for us to refer to when it comes to our children. Danielle @ Extraordinary Mommy reminded parents this week that no matter what stage of parenting you are in, there will always be challenges and that sometimes what we want directly conflicts with our children’s desires.

Here are a few more blog posts I found particularly interesting this week:

•  Do you remember the first time your daughter or son really hurt you?  Not intentionally of course, but the first time one of their actions really struck a cord with you?  Recently, Brigid and her daughter experienced some growing pains that left Brigid with a hurting heart; this post strikes a particular place for me as a mother of two daughters and certain of the pain I have caused my own mother.  I hope you hop over and give Brigid a virtual hug, because if you haven’t already been there…you will be.
• With cooler weather often comes scratchy throats, itchy watery eyes and a nagging cough, but you don’t have to rush right out to your local drugstore to find relief.  In God’s Economy author Heather shared several home remedies that really work and won’t break your budget, so go on take care of yourself naturally…and frugally.
• As a parent there is nothing that hurts more than seeing your child in pain and as a parent, you don’t want to cause another child pain either, that’s why it’s so hard when your child starts transitioning to the more exclusive mindset that tends to develop as they age.  What do you do when you child reaches the age when they no longer want to invite everyone in the classroom, but rather only their friends?  Head over to The Dose of Reality and give her your advice.
• Make a truly delicious and spooky meal with these zombie eyeballs from Where Women Cook with your family this Halloween and scare your guests with this ghoulish delight!  Quick and easy to make these meatball eyeballs are sure to be on your family’s Halloween menu every year!
• Recently Emily from Colorado Moms orchestrated a huge home move with 3 boys, one of which is autistic, and this week she shared the lessons she learned about moving with an autistic child with her readers.  Make your next move easier by following her guidance, which is also great advice for parents of all kids.
• Everyone has that one thing.  You know, that one thing you just can’t let go of because deep down you believe it will bring your happiness or fulfillment?  This week Kim from Mommycosm explores her “banana” in life and how she’s working to let it go and live more freely.  Tell me down in the comments what your banana is in life.

So what did I miss?  Share your best posts from the last week in our linky!  The only requirements are:

• You should be a parent who blogs
• The post must have been published between October 13 and 19, 2012
• You MUST use the permalink to the post itself, not your blog’s homepage URL

For the NAME field, use this format: Blog Name – Post Title

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About the author: HighImpactMom (70 Posts)

As Chief Blogging Mama at High Impact Mom, Amanda encounters all sorts of madness as she publishes High Impact Mom, corrals two busy daughters, manages a successful hyper-local digital marketing company, attends college full-time, and occasionally even finds time for a date with her husband. Amanda is a social media addict, a compulsive volunteer, and a hard rocking-Jane Austen reading devoted mama...she might also a little bit crazy. Follow her on Twitter at @highimpactmom.