Inspired by the podcast, Good Inside with Dr. Becky, episode: Joy in Parenting

As Mother’s Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on my journey as a mom of two young children. It’s no secret that parenting can be challenging and overwhelming at times. The daily grind often leaves little room for joy amidst the chaos. However, I recently stumbled upon an episode of the Good Inside with Dr. Becky podcast titled “Joy in Parenting,” featuring Ingrid Fetell Lee, and it served as a powerful reminder that cultivating space for joy in parenthood requires intention, connection, and the knowledge that it’s not as challenging as it may sometimes seem. 

Tune in to the episode below.

Rediscovering the Meaning of Joy

Ingrid Fetell Lee, a designer and author, helped me redefine joy. She explained that joy is not the same as happiness; it’s an intense momentary experience of positive emotion. Unlike happiness, joy is immediate and can be found in the simplest of moments. Joy is so diverse and accessible to us in so many different ways. This distinction struck a chord with me, especially on those tough parenting days when I felt like joy was nowhere to be found.

Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

Lee emphasized the importance of actively seeking out moments of joy, even during the hardest of days. I realized that joy doesn’t have to be elusive or dependent on grand experiences. It can be found in the small, everyday moments we share with our children. Joy is so diverse and accessible to us in so many different ways. It could be a heartfelt laugh, a warm hug, or even witnessing their awe and wonder as they discover the world around them. 

Creating Physical Space for Joy

Lee’s insights on creating space for joy resonated deeply with me. She encouraged us to view our homes as a series of moments rather than just rooms filled with stuff. By intentionally designing our physical spaces and incorporating elements associated with joy, such as bright colors, round shapes, and visual order, we can cultivate an environment that fosters joy for ourselves and our children.

Creating Different Kinds of Space for Joy

Joy isn’t only about the aesthetics of our surroundings; it’s about intentionally carving out all kinds of space that invite joy to flourish. Creating mental space for joy involves consciously perceiving moments of joy in the everyday, recognizing that times can be both hard AND joyful. Creating energetic space for joy means taking short breaks throughout the day to step outside or engage in brief grounding exercises to rejuvenate our spirits. Creating social space that fosters joy looks like surrounding ourselves with people who uplift us and engage in activities that bring joy through shared experiences and laughter. By actively creating and nurturing these different kinds of spaces for joy, we open ourselves up to the full spectrum of joyful experiences.

Modeling Joy

Lee reminded me that as mothers, we have the power to model joy for our children. When we embrace the present moment, fully engage with them, and joyfully participate in their play, we teach them the importance of finding joy in life. Carving out moments in our schedules for activities that bring joy – and protecting that time as sacred – are powerful lessons for our children. By allowing our children to witness us pursuing activities we love and expressing our own joy, we inspire them to seek their own happiness in the future.

A Mother’s Day Commitment

As Mother’s Day approaches, I want to make a pledge to myself and all the incredible mothers out there. Let’s prioritize joy in our lives, with our families, and with our children. Let’s create spaces that nurture joy and embrace the beautiful, messy moments of motherhood. We can find joy in the midst of challenges, laughter in the face of exhaustion, and love in the smallest of gestures.

Motherhood is an extraordinary journey, and while it has its share of trials, it also holds immense joy. Through the wisdom shared in the “Joy in Parenting” episode, I’ve learned to redefine joy, seek it in everyday moments, and create space for it in my life and home. This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the joy we bring to our families and the joy our children bring to us. May we continue to inspire them, nurture their happiness, and create a legacy of joy that will last a lifetime. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!

Written by 
Robin Vincent
May 2023