The Gains in Parenting

The Journey of Parenting: A New Perspective

Parenting can often feel like an endless journey towards an ever-distant horizon. We set goals for our children, envisioning the confident, independent individuals we hope they will become. But how often do we pause to reflect on how far we've come rather than how far we still have to go?

The Gap vs. The Gain: A Mindset Shift

This concept of shifting focus from "The Gap" to "The Gain" has profoundly resonated with me recently. Inspired by the book The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, I realised how applicable this mindset is to parenting. It's easy to get caught up in the stress of what our children have yet to learn or achieve, but what if we flipped the script? What if, instead of worrying about the distance between where they are now and where we want them to be, we celebrated the progress they've already made?

Celebrating Progress: A New Approach to Parenting

For example, instead of stressing over a child's struggle with independence or social skills, why not acknowledge how much they've grown in these areas already? Perhaps they used to be incredibly shy, but now they're starting to make eye contact and greet others. That’s progress, and it deserves recognition.

Creating a Positive Environment for Growth

Focusing on the gains rather than the gaps doesn't just change our perspective; it also creates a more positive and calm environment for our children. When we appreciate their progress, they feel supported and encouraged, which in turn fosters further growth and development. It's a win-win for both parents and kids.

My Personal Experience with The Gain Mindset

In my own parenting journey, this shift in mindset has been invaluable. It’s helped me reduce stress and anxiety, replacing them with a sense of accomplishment and confidence in my children's growth. And it's something I encourage every parent to try. Next time you find yourself worrying about what your child hasn't yet mastered, take a moment to reflect on how far they've come. You might be surprised at how much progress they've made.