Parenting didn’t come with a manual

 Parenting didn’t come with a manual

but some parts feel so natural.
The way I hold them when they cry.
The way I know their different laughs.
The way my heart breaks before theirs even does.

But then there are parts I’ve had to teach myself.
Like how to apologize,
how to stay calm,
how to speak to them the way I always wished someone had spoken to me.

It’s not just about raising them.
It’s about healing me.
Because I’m not just following instincts
I’m learning, unlearning, and choosing to do better.
Even when it’s hard.
Especially when it’s hard.