There are some striking similarities between running a marathon and parenting. You can find out all the comparisons here!
I’m not a runner.
I tried. I wanted to be a runner. I wished to run a marathon because don’t most people have this milestone on their life bucket list?
But, as I said, I’m not a runner.
In my exploration of whether or not running a marathon would be doable for me, I discovered multiple articles which offered their best tips and advice to have success in a marathon.
As I read and researched, I saw a striking similarity between running a marathon and parenting.
So here it is….
There are some striking similarities between running a marathon and parenting. #parenting Share on XTHE PARENTING MARATHON
START SLOW
Every article seems to stress the importance of starting slow.
Fortunately, when our little ones are born, we have to take it slow. They can’t go from womb to school overnight. The course of development is slow.
However, I think that the “slow” rests in our mind and spirit. Slow means savoring the tender moments with our children. Slow is enjoying the quiet and delighting in the simple things that our children love so much.
DON’T GET TOO EMOTIONAL
I get it, this parenting gig is an emotional thing but you’ve got to keep those emotions in check, otherwise they will take over your race.
As a deliberate and reflective mom, I’ve struggled with navigating the emotions of parenting. I’ll never forget the first time my daughter told me she hated me. I was crushed. However, I needed to push past those feelings and focus on the fact that her statement was in no way personal, but a way to express her frustration with being disciplined.
RUN AT YOUR PACE
This is your marathon.
Keep your eyes on the road ahead of you and pay no attention to the runners who are passing by.
Don’t get caught up in watching what other parents are doing. That’s their race with their children. They have set a pace that’s unique to them. You’ll get to the finish line in your time with your child.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BODY
I’ve read that there’s pain that comes with running a marathon. Regardless of how much you’ve trained… pain and discomfort comes. A tip that’s repeatedly shared is to think outside the body and to focus on things like the scenery, the spectators, etc.
In this parenting marathon, I often have to think outside of my body too. There’s only so much I can do, so I rely greatly on prayer and guidance from my heavenly father. He loves my girls far more than I ever could, so I follow His lead when I’m going through the challenges and pain of parenting.
BE POSITIVE
A positive attitude helps in all areas of life but it’s critical when parenting our children. There are going to be tough days, difficult ages, and challenging stages but if we keep optimistic and keep pressing forward, the difficulties don’t seem as big.
BE FLEXIBLE
I remember I once saw an advertisement for runner’s yoga. That, in itself, almost convinced me to sign up for a marathon (because I love yoga)!
I know when these advice articles emphasize being flexible, they mean it in a literal sense but mental flexibility can also prove beneficial to a marathon runner. After all, you are at the mercy of the elements and you can’t predict what will happen to your body physically while you’re running. Flexibility can absolutely impact your marathon.
Parenting is the same way. It’s important to be flexible in how we approach our children. Sometimes when we’re too rigid or controlling, our children resist us. Also, our children are unique individuals with their own personalities. One child may not respond to a parenting technique that you use with another child, so you may need to adjust your approach to have the most impact on that particular child.
THE FINISH LINE
Though I’m still “new” in my parenting journey, I imagine the race is never done.
However, I think at some point there’s a shift from being a participant in the marathon, to being a spectator and watching your children run marathons of their own.
Regardless, this is the best race ever. The challenges and struggles are worth the reward of raising our children and passing the torch of love onto them.
Absolutely wonderful parenting advice and you are right that there are times where I do indeed feel like I am running a marathon with parenting my two girls. Thanks for the reminder to slow up a bit and enjoy as much as I can more often. Hugs and wishing you a lovely week ahead now xoxo <3
I’m delighted that this analogy resonated with you. Slowing down is a great take-away.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Parenting Marathon, Janine!
It is a marathon, isn’t it? And I would add to fuel and snack up in that marathon! ha! My kids don’t really like to let me sit and eat a whole meal, but I reclaim that.
One day I’d love to run a real marathon, just to compare it to every other life event I’ve experienced.
LOL – great addition Tamara! I can’t believe I forgot about the fueling up part!
I have actually never thought of it this way, but you are absolutely correct! I really love the don’t get emotional and run at your own pace. As parents, especially as women, we tend to get emotional when things happen and we take it personally. Also we have to realize that our kids are different and no two parenting style are the same. Just do your best and you’ll get to the finish line.
I’m delighted that this resonated with you. I really have to keep my emotions in check – it makes a huge difference to my attitude with my girls.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!
Such a great analogy, Jennifer. I didn’t start my mother marathon with a good foot (pun intended!) but I’m finally finding my footing and pace and I think I’m in the ‘ZONE’. The first decade was perhaps training- hard core and brutal. lol
Every mother has their own race- all such different scenery and landscape to cover- all of these sum it up well!
LOL – you’re “punny”.
Hmmm, I’m close to my first decade… I’m hoping the training lightens up a bit (although I’m a little nervous about the teen years)!