Redefining the “Worth it” Moments in Parenting

Acknowledging the full spectrum of parenting experiences and how Japanese kinsugi is a useful analogy

Whether you are a parent or not, you likely have children in your life. On a regular basis, you see darling photos of these little ones in your text messages, emails, and social media feeds.

Outwardly, it may appear like the “worth-it” moments of parenthood are a collection of these often picturesque scenes (like the one above on the left). However, worth-it moments are found in the full spectrum of parenthood. That is, not only the moments we share more openly or publicly, but also the tough and trying moments we speak of in more intimate settings and rarely capture in photographs (like the one above on the right). They are all worth-it moments. I wanted to acknowledge and honor all the worth-it moments — both the private struggles and the public-facing victories.

We need to share the more cheerful moments because they remind us why we do it and can keep us going in the more demanding times. However, it is also worthwhile to value everything unseen or unspoken behind those more trying moments. We probably wouldn’t have those relishing victories without them.

This is why I have posted two photos: a blissful moment and a trying moment. Both are important, both are worth it, and both are part of being a parent.

In Japanese kinsugi what needs mending is done quite literally in gold and a broken vessel is uniquely renewed with a new story and transformed into a treasured item. A kinsugi approach to life in general, and parenting in particular, might be worth adopting and may help reinforce family resilience. Think of these moments as golden opportunities (lol).