The Duality of Parenting: Finding Balance in Long Weekends

Last weekend was a three-day holiday, and with September offering two such consecutive long weekends in a row, it felt like a true blessing. These extended breaks gave us a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy more quality family time. It’s a treasure to have these moments, but on the other hand, back-to-back holidays also presented some challenges, especially when it comes to parenting. Keeping children entertained and engaged for such a long period at home is no easy task. To ensure they remain happy and well-behaved, we, as parents, need to constantly brainstorm new ideas—where to take them, which activities will grab their attention, and how to foster their curiosity. While these long weekends are something I’m grateful for, they can also bring a fair share of stress.

In my view, fostering children's cognitive development in their early years is critically important. Unlike adults, who have largely reached their cognitive potential, with little room for drastic improvement in areas like creativity or abstract thinking, every day in a child’s life offers new chances to learn and grow. Each experience shapes their future. However, children are completely reliant on their parents to guide them through these formative years, which places an enormous responsibility on us. Sometimes, this responsibility can feel overwhelming. Over the holiday, I found myself feeling a bit worn out after taking the kids out to different places every day. At first, I enjoyed the trip to the theme park, especially when I saw my son sweetly holding his younger sister’s hand as they walked together. In that moment, an idealized scene played in my mind—both children, full of joy, running around in a park, their laughter filling the air. It was one of those heartwarming visions of sibling bonding that every parent hopes for.

Yet, reality has its way of grounding you. My daughter is still quite dependent on me, as she only recently started walking before turning one. Her steps are unsteady, and she often stumbles over small obstacles like stones or uneven paths. Her older brother, while loving, understandably doesn’t have the patience to hold her hand for long stretches. As a result, I had to bend down and help her walk for most of the day, which is physically draining. After hours of maintaining that awkward posture, I usually end up with sore muscles, reminding me of the physical demands of parenting.

On the positive side, spending extended time with my children forces me to be present in the moment. With less time for distractions like scrolling through my phone, I can fully immerse myself in our surroundings and our time together. I also hear more of my son’s curious thoughts and ideas, which I rarely get to experience during the weekdays when life is more hectic. It’s a refreshing reminder of how insightful children can be when we take the time to listen.

In the end, everything has two sides, and parenting is no different. The challenges and stresses that come with raising children are undeniable, but so are the rewards. Every moment of struggle is balanced by moments of joy and discovery. These long weekends, while tiring, offer us the chance to experience both sides of the coin. They remind me that parenting isn’t just about managing the challenges but also about cherishing the fleeting moments of connection and growth. As I reflect on the experience, I’m reminded that the key lies in how we choose to perceive these moments. By embracing both the ups and downs, I can focus on the beauty of the journey, rather than the weight of the responsibility.