And while there is wisdom in learning from others, and acknowledging that we are not experts in all areas, there is another scene from “This Is Us” that has helped shape my parenting too.
Jack and Randall are at a marital arts class, and the instructor invites Jack to do push-ups with Randall on his back. It is a powerful picture of Jack taking responsibility as Randall’s father, committing to do everything he can to help his son. Later in the scene, it shows other men in the class doing the same for Randall—a beautiful picture of community working together, helping one another, surrounding each other with support.
“I’m terrified that I’m going to make a hundred wrong decisions to keep you guys from living the perfect lives that you deserve, but I will protect you fiercely, and I will always sing to you when you can’t sleep, and I will always be excited to hear you laugh.” — Rebecca Pearson
While there is no such thing as living a perfect life, this quote from Rebecca highlights some key components of good parenting: acknowledging we don’t have all the answers, being available, comforting our kids, and enjoying them.
“This Is Us” has helped put words to the ache and tug, the fears and joys, and the fierce love my kids need—although I offer it imperfectly.
Like Jack, I want to do what I can (and then some) to help my children navigate this life—to have hard, awkward conversations with them, to admit when I don’t know the answer, to reach out to others when I’m at a loss.
As we see in the show, and in real life, parenting is hard work, no matter the method by which your children arrive into your family. There is not a handbook for every sticky situation you find yourself in (like over-moisturizing your son with too much coconut oil before church). But there is value in humbly admitting what you don’t know and confidently shouldering what you do know.
“We’re their parents. We do the best we can. But at the end of the day what happens to them, how they turn out, that’s bigger than us.” — Jack Pearson
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To learn more about Katie M. Reid and her adoption story, head over to katiemreid.com
