After penning 10 children’s books, I unexpectedly found myself pregnant at 41. Now, with my son just 20 months old, I anticipated that maintaining my writing career would be a challenge. Surprisingly, I’ve discovered that I’m more productive than ever. The insights I’ve gained from parenting have seamlessly translated into my creative process. Here are seven key lessons:
1. Be Present
The cornerstone of effective parenting is simply showing up for your child. I apply this same principle to my writing. I dedicate two hours each night to writing after my son goes to bed. If I neglect this time, my “other baby”—my writing—suffers. And I refuse to let that happen.
2. Embrace the Chaos
Gone are the days of striving for perfection in my home. With a toddler in the mix, I’ve accepted that my house will often resemble a disaster zone. Similarly, I’ve learned to embrace the early messy drafts of my writing. Both my son and I can create without fear, and it’s incredibly freeing. (Thank goodness my partner enjoys a simple bowl of cereal!)
3. Take Breaks
When my son needs a time-out for mischief, I also recognize when it’s time to step away from my work. A short break allows both of us to recharge and return with a fresh perspective. Whether it’s a couple of minutes in the playpen or a pause from my manuscript, we both benefit from this reset.
4. Master the Art of Multitasking
While I do my best to be in the moment, I’ve honed my multitasking skills. I find myself brainstorming story ideas while changing diapers or prepping lunch. The best inspiration often strikes when my mind is occupied elsewhere, which is a bonus when dealing with toddler chaos.
5. It Takes a Community
My husband and I value the importance of allowing our son to interact with various people. Just as he needs a diverse environment, my writing thrives on feedback from different sources. Engaging with my writing group, trusted readers, and editors enriches my work and keeps it vibrant.
6. Keep the Tears at Bay
I used to let minor setbacks affect me deeply. Now, understanding how stress impacts my son has taught me to maintain a more balanced demeanor. This approach also helps my writing; negativity can stifle creativity, so I aim to focus on the positives.
7. Tomorrow is a New Day
Each night, as I tuck my son in, I sing him “Tomorrow” from Annie. It’s a sweet reminder that there’s always a fresh start on the horizon. Once he falls asleep and I dive into my writing, I’m greeted by blank pages full of potential, waiting for me to explore without fear.
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In summary, parenting has transformed my approach to writing in profound ways, from embracing messiness to seeking community feedback. Each lesson learned has made me a more resilient and productive writer.
Keyphrase: Parenting and Writing
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