What My Kids Have Taught Me About Myself

I used to think that parenting was all about teaching my kids—how to tie their shoes, say “please” and “thank you,” share toys, and navigate the world with kindness and confidence. What I didn’t expect was how much they would teach me about myself.

Becoming a parent is like holding up a magnifying glass to your personality. Suddenly, your strengths and shortcomings aren’t just personal—they’re reflected in the eyes of little people who learn by watching your every move. Here’s what my kids have revealed to me—lessons I never anticipated but deeply needed.

1. I’m More Impatient Than I Thought

Before kids, I never would have described myself as a laid-back, go-with-the-flow type. But parenting is a daily test of patience, and let’s just say I’ve had more than my fair share of moments. Whether it’s waiting for a toddler to put on their own shoes (with the speed of a snail) or trying to stay calm during a meltdown at the supermarket, I’ve learned that I still have some growing to do when it comes to keeping my cool under pressure.

2. Control Is My Security Blanket

I never realized how much I value structure and predictability until they were constantly disrupted by the beautiful chaos of parenting. Kids have a way of throwing curveballs at even the best laid plans. From bed times to meal planning, I’ve had to learn how to let go, loosen my grip, and trust that not everything needs to go “my way” to go well… And I’m still learning to do this.

3. I Need to Practice What I Preach

Kids notice everything. They pick up on tone and attitude. If I say “kindness matters” and then snap at someone in traffic, they notice. If I tell them to put the screens away and then scroll my phone at dinner, they call me out. Parenting has held me accountable to be the kind of person I hope they grow up to be.

4. My Words Matter – More Than I Realized

A single comment can stick in a child’s mind longer than I ever imagined. Whether it’s encouragement that lifts them up or frustration that brings them down, I’ve learned that words carry a lot of power. They’ve taught me to choose mine more carefully.

5. Love Isn’t Always Easy, But It’s Always Worth It

Parenting has shown me unconditional love. It’s messy, exhausting, and almost always overwhelming, but in moments of exhaustion or doubt, my kids remind me, with a hug, a laugh, a whispered “I love you”, why this journey matters so much.

Raising kids is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most revealing. I’ve learned that personal growth doesn’t stop in adulthood. Instead, it often accelerates when tiny humans are watching your every move.

My kids have taught me that who I am matters just as much as what I do. And for that, I will always be grateful.

Xx