"Si no estás gritando a tus hijos no estás pasando suficiente tiempo con ellos"

The essence of this quote is that strong emotions, including frustration and yelling, are natural parts of being deeply involved in your children's lives. It suggests that if you care enough to be present and engaged, conflicts are bound to happen. It's not about advocating yelling at our kids but highlighting that intense moments are signs of active involvement.

Historically, the idea can be linked to the broader recognition of the messiness of parenting. Parenting isn't a smooth ride—it's a rollercoaster with ups, downs, and loop-the-loops. The quote might resonate with many because it acknowledges that authentic parenthood includes struggles and moments of high emotion.

Imagine this: you've been home with your kids during summer break. Every day, you're juggling work, household chores, and trying to keep the little ones entertained. By the third week, the tension is palpable. The kids are fighting over toys, and despite your best patience, you end up raising your voice. It feels awful, but it also shows you've been there, trying to manage everything closely.

Here's some tangible advice on how to apply this wisdom: be kind to yourself. Understand that frustration doesn't mean you're a bad parent. It's a sign that you're involved and that you care. Instead of beating yourself up for those yelling moments, reflect on what led up to them. Maybe it's a signal that you need a break or that the kids need more structured activities. Use these moments as learning opportunities for both you and your children.

Now, think about Sarah, a mother of three, who works from home. Every evening she helps her kids with homework while preparing dinner. One night, her youngest spills milk all over the dining table just as she's about to serve dinner. Sarah snaps, yelling at her child. Immediately, she feels a pang of guilt. But she also realizes that this explosion came from a place of tiredness and trying to do too much. She sits with her kids afterward, apologizes for yelling, and explains why it happened. This turns into a meaningful lesson about emotions and forgiveness for all of them.

In a more relatable context, imagine a new parent, Alex, navigating the challenges of raising a toddler. Alex is determined to be the best parent possible, spending every free moment playing and teaching. But toddlers are tricky—they test boundaries. One day, after the 100th “No” and a crayon mural on the wall, Alex loses it and yells. It’s not the proudest moment, but it’s real. Alex then decides to join a parenting group, sharing experiences and learning strategies to manage stress. This connection with others facing similar issues helps Alex feel less alone and more capable.

At the end of the day, remember: nobody's perfect. Parenting is about showing up, trying your best, and sometimes failing. Those moments of frustration and yelling are reminders that you're in the thick of it—actively parenting. So next time you lose your cool, take a deep breath, cut yourself some slack, and remember, it’s because you care deeply.