What is the most frustrating aspect of parenting?

1. 73

   breathe2travelposted 11 years ago

   What is the most frustrating aspect of parenting?

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2. 93

   Tinskyposted 11 years ago

   For me, its the guilt and pull of a professional career over being a full-time Mum.  My husband and I both middle income earners but on the lower end with financial commitments. We are also saving up to provide our daughter with a good education and are fortunate enough to work fulltime jobs. I do try to make the most out of the time we have together, but it doesn't mean you don't feel guilty, often frustrated because of the pull between career responsibilities that come home with our jobs and family responsibilities can be frustrating and often clash.

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3. 37

   edhanposted 11 years ago

   Not having enough time with your children when needed.
   
   It is common for all parents who are working hard to support family therefore lacking of time to spend with children. They will feel neglected and hanging out with friends who are sort of teaching them bad stuffs and having lots of influences over them.

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4. 67

   sassydeeposted 11 years ago

   I would have to say that what frustrates me the most is not being able to control the outside world, in order to know for a fact that it would be safe for my girls to play outside.  I give them enough talks about the world and take many precations as a parent does for their child but, it's no guarentee that they will be safe when I am not around.  Therefore if I am not outside with them then it's very rare that they will be out there! Sad but true.

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5. 0

   cmahanposted 11 years ago

   For me it's being a weekend step-parents and 1.) trying to cram a weeks worth of family time in the 2 day weekend and 2.) dealing with my husband/ father and the ex/mother who don't get along or see eye-to-eye on parenting and 3.) his meddling mother who thinks she's a better parent than all of us. Other than that, personally, the only thing I find frustrating is how hard it is to explain being a full-time grad student and working full-time (my husband also works full-time, is in school and is doing his clinical's) means that there are some family activities I / we can't participate in. If only they could see the big picture and how the hard work will pay off for everyone in the end.

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6. 61

   YvetteParkerposted 11 years ago

   For me, it's those times when you seem not to be reaching your children no matter how hard you try.

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7. 61

   JSimpleposted 11 years ago

   Not ever having enough time to do something your children want to do.  The lottery be nice to be able to spend full time being a full time daddy at home if I could, I would.

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8. 60

   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   I had a pretty great experience raising my girls.  But, as an only child, I was stunned by sibling rivalry.  I had no idea that brothers and sisters fought.  I know it sounds naive but I really had no idea.  No matter what I did, nothing worked.
   
   I do wish I would have relaxed about it more as they are great friends now.

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   1. 73

      breathe2travelposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'll take that to heart, as my children are still young - 4, 5, 7, 10 & 12 (just 12 days shy of 13).

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9. 61

   KT Banksposted 11 years ago

   Getting enough sleep, when they were young. Now that they are older, it's just a lot of fun.

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10. 60

    danajconnellyposted 11 years ago

    When you recognize your own obnoxious qualities in your own child....

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11. 76

    TripleAMomposted 11 years ago

    For me it's discipline.  I love hanging out with my children, playing, having fun.  But I hate having to discipline, being consistent with correction, figure out what requires correction.  It is particularly difficult with my teenager and 12 year old who have started questioning rules.  Also, when the older ones think it's not fair when they get in trouble for something their friends don't get corrected for (i.e. rules in our house that are not rules in their friends' houses).  Very frustrating.

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