Mariska Hargitay: 'I want to be a fun mom. Not a gasping for air mom.'

I want to be a fun mom. Not a gasping for air mom.

In the realm of parenting, Mariska Hargitay's quote, "I want to be a fun mom. Not a gasping for air mom," encapsulates a powerful sentiment that many parents can relate to. It highlights the desire to strike a balance between being an engaged and joyful parent while avoiding the overwhelming stress that parenthood can sometimes bring. The quote suggests that Hargitay, an acclaimed actress and also a devoted mother, aspires to be present and enjoy the journey of raising her children, without constantly feeling suffocated by the demands and responsibilities that come with the role.Parenthood is undoubtedly a profound experience that brings immense love, joy, and personal growth. However, it can also be exhausting, chaotic, and at times overwhelming. The quote reminds us of the need to establish a harmonious equilibrium as parents, allowing ourselves the time and space to be present and fully engaged with our children, but without sacrificing our own well-being and sense of self.To delve further into this concept, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept known as the "Flow State." This state of mind, coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, refers to a mental state of complete absorption and focused engagement in an activity. It is characterized by feelings of intense joy, heightened concentration, and a sense of timelessness. In the context of parenting, embracing the flow state allows us to be "fun moms" rather than "gasping for air moms."When a parent is in the flow state, they are fully immersed in the present moment with their child, letting go of worries about the past or the future. They find joy in simple interactions, such as playing games, reading stories, or engaging in imaginative play. This state of being allows parents to effortlessly tap into their creative and imaginative selves, fostering a deep connection with their children.Contrastingly, being a "gasping for air mom" implies experiencing constant stress and overwhelm. When parents are overwhelmed, their thoughts may be consumed by an ever-growing to-do list, household responsibilities, or concerns about their child's development. These distractions hinder them from fully engaging with their children and inhibiting their ability to experience the joy and fulfillment that parenting can bring.The challenge lies in finding a way to enter the flow state amidst the myriad demands of parenthood. Creating boundaries and setting aside dedicated quality time with your child is crucial. By intentionally carving out moments for focused play or one-on-one activities, parents can fully immerse themselves in the present moment, leaving behind the distractions and burdens of everyday life. In such moments, we have the opportunity to be fully present, allowing ourselves to genuinely enjoy the time spent with our children, and ultimately becoming the "fun moms" we aspire to be.It is important to note that finding balance as a parent is an ongoing process. There will be days when it feels impossible to avoid being a "gasping for air mom." Life can throw curveballs at us, and unexpected challenges may arise. However, by being aware of the importance of the flow state and making a conscious effort to embrace it, we can cultivate a positive parenting mindset that allows us to navigate the challenges and joys of parenting with grace and authenticity.In conclusion, Mariska Hargitay's quote about being a fun mom while avoiding the suffocating overwhelm of parenthood strikes a chord with many. It reminds us of the delicate balance we must find as parents, nurturing our own well-being while fully engaging with our children. By embracing the concept of the flow state, we can tap into the joy and fulfillment of parenting, releasing ourselves from the pressures that can sometimes engulf us. Ultimately, by striving to find our own equilibrium as parents, we can authentically enjoy the journey of raising our children, creating lasting memories and nurturing deep connections that will thrive for years to come.