What does it even mean to be a great parent…

Meghan Fitzgerald
Apr 15
8
12
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Hype socks, a good cry and the three questions that helped me find new footing.

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patricia fitzgerald
[Apr 15](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/243862606 "Apr 15, 2026, 11:12 AM"/index.html)

Liked by Meghan Fitzgerald
You are a great mom and it’s mainly because you pay attention. You don’t just fluff things off and let the chips fall where they may. You’re a listener and an observer. How lucky are your children!!

Meghan Fitzgerald [Apr 15](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/243889091 "Apr 15, 2026, 11:59 AM"/index.html)

Author
Thank you…and for always being there for us!

this might resonate
[Apr 17](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/245099579 "Apr 17, 2026, 4:53 PM"/index.html)

Liked by Meghan Fitzgerald
This piece resonated so much, Meg! And such sound, attuned parenting advice infused with a growth mindset. I love the experiment spirit and intention- so that every interaction isn’t a sting or an indictment, but a chance for both parent and child to learn.

It’s also healthy to grieve your relationship with younger versions of your kids. It all moves so dang fast. Their developmental change + the hardness that is the world for young people (and all of us) right now isn’t a referendum on your goodness as a parent. You’re one of the best! Thanks for opening up and sharing. We need each other’s vulnerability and wisdom in equal parts. That is this piece, exactly. 🤍

Meghan Fitzgerald
[Apr 18](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/245328990 "Apr 18, 2026, 7:24 AM"/index.html)

Author
Ali, this response means so much. I feel like you really hear what feels hard and you shine even more light on the paths to greater ease: the growth mindset (🤍), the experimentation and the okay to grieve a little. So genuine, generous and grounding (as always). How blessed am I by knowing you!

Claire Keller
[Apr 15](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/244184486 "Apr 15, 2026, 11:31 PM"/index.html) Edited
Liked by Meghan Fitzgerald
You are one of the greatest moms out there! Always so thoughtful and humble. Your trio is lucky to have you.

Meghan Fitzgerald
[Apr 16](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/244464902 "Apr 16, 2026, 1:08 PM"/index.html)

Author
Thank you, Claire! Even though I don’t love those kinds of mornings, they do lead to some interesting thinking. I keep revisiting the metaphors we cultivated together when our kids were young–the gardener, the hummingbird, the guide. I am heartened that they are still valid, but I think I just need to adapt them and grow with them. And, like the lobster who pains when it’s time to shed her shell to get the next one, I just feel it sometimes! Grateful for your company as always!

Claire Keller
[May 30](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/267939048 "May 30, 2026, 8:22 PM"/index.html)
Liked by Meghan Fitzgerald
The hummingbird! Forgot about that one and still love it. Yes, still valid! Just have to try to adapt to our kids, who are ever changing! Different ages and stages too.. it’s a balancing act!

Zaira K
[Apr 15](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/244041331 "Apr 15, 2026, 5:01 PM"/index.html)
Liked by Meghan Fitzgerald
You are an amazing mom and teacher I was a witness on that!

Meghan Fitzgerald
[Apr 16](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/244465078 "Apr 16, 2026, 1:08 PM"/index.html)

Author
You are such a dear! I was so lucky to have you by my side, Zaira!

Jenn Smukler
[Apr 15](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/243857258 "Apr 15, 2026, 11:02 AM"/index.html)

Liked by Meghan Fitzgerald
I found this piece to be really helpful and one that really resonates with my daily struggles.

Meghan Fitzgerald
[Apr 16](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/244467343 "Apr 16, 2026, 1:13 PM"/index.html)

Author
Thank you, Jenn! I so welcome your perspective here! I really am trying to remember to move from achieving (winning at great parenting) to striving (focusing on learning which mindsets and actions will support my kids and me the most effectively at any given time). It’s so easy to fall back into the former!

Jenn Smukler
[Apr 16](/content/p/why-am-i-crying-at-the-grocery-store/comment/244475626 "Apr 16, 2026, 1:28 PM"/index.html)

Liked by Meghan Fitzgerald
I find that this will not be perfect and we get pulled to our old tendencies and that’s OK. Baby steps everyday!