Parenting takes courage.

I’m the parent of three small children. I stay home with them during the day, and am so grateful to have Alison there with me in the evenings and on weekends. We’re a team, and we’re constantly exhausted. Some days I struggle to get out of bed and make good on the commitments that I’ve made. There’s seldom quiet and no break is ever long enough.

There’s solace in recognizing that all parents of small children feel this same way. I often feel like I’m failing. I feel like I’m failing to set a good example, to be consistent, and to keep the house running while being engaged with my kids. My goal is to have the kitchen cleaned and toys put away before bed, but more often than not, I’m spending the first part of the next day finishing up tasks from the day prior.

As if that weren’t bad enough, I have an entire culture out there trying to lie to my children. They’re trying to sell them loser language, excuses, and laziness. They’re telling my children to rebel against me and enjoy a life of no discipline, and no regrets.

I have many of the scars from believing people other than my parents. I don’t want to pass that legacy on to them.

But I’m not a loser. I’m a victor.

That’s why no matter how hard I get beat down, I always get back up. I’m tired, I’d love a break, and I’d love to just go with the flow, but that’s not good enough for my children. I may not have done today perfectly, but when my children close their eyes at night, they know that they are safe and they are loved.

Tags: Manliness Virtue