30 Comments
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Serena Menken's avatar

Congrats on the anniversary, Erin! What a lovely piece. I agree that parenting is just as much, if not more, about growing ourselves as guiding little humans (or bigger humans) in their growing up process.

Erin Miller's avatar

Thank you, Serena—and thank you for being with me throughout most of it. You're an OG in the space. 🧡

Bethany Bell's avatar

Congratulations on your anniversary, Erin! What a y difference a year makes 🤩

Erin Miller's avatar

Thanks so much, Bethany! 🧡

Amanda Aaron 🇨🇦's avatar

I’m so thrilled I found you, Erin! And I’m really excited to be writing these kinds of articles too. It comes up again and again, needing to become the best version of ourselves. And it doesn’t mean perfect, it means perfectly imperfect and embracing whatever that means.

Erin Miller's avatar

Well said, Amanda—and, thank you! 🧡

Kunlun | Playful Brains's avatar

Congrats on the 1-year anniversary! I’ve really enjoyed your posts. Thank you for writing with such honesty and depth. Looking forward to what’s ahead in year two!

Erin Miller's avatar

Thank you, Kunlun! Always appreciate the thoughtful insight you contribute to the conversations. 🧡

Kunlun | Playful Brains's avatar

You’re welcome, Erin. Thank you for your inspirations!

Megan Saxelby's avatar

Happy anniversary! Appreciate your work and your willingness to uplift other voices in the space!

Erin Miller's avatar

Thanks, Megan! Honored to share this space with you. 🧡

Modern Mom Playbook's avatar

Happy One Year Anniversary! I love to read your work!

Erin Miller's avatar

Thank you so much—I'm grateful! 🧡

Curious and Capable Kids's avatar

We, the parents, have to be willing to face ourselves honestly, even in the places that feel raw or unfinished. The more we can stay with what’s hard in us, the more space we create for them to bring their whole selves, too. Powerfully written and a wonderful celebration of the Unpopular Parent!

Erin Miller's avatar

So well said, Aleksandra—thank you! 🧡

Saima Durrani's avatar

Happy birthday to Unpopular Parent! I love how your belief is getting clearer day by day. It’s always such a powerful moment when we can name what we stand for and the change we want to bring. Wishing you the very best as this space keeps growing stronger.

Erin Miller's avatar

Thank you, Saima! 🧡

Irena Smith's avatar

Happy first birthday to (un)popular Parent, Erin! What an incredible community you've created. Thank you for being a voice of clarity, reason, and compassion for so many, myself included.

Erin Miller's avatar

Thank you, Irena! 🧡

The Educating Parent's avatar

There is so much in this post that I love, resonate with, reflect, believe, and am passionate about.

A very powerful reflection on a year of writing in this space. Thank you.

Erin Miller's avatar

Thank you so much, Beverley! 🧡

Kyle Shepard's avatar

Let’s go! Happy birthday my friend. Looking forward to what is next. You’ve set a high bar in year one. Here is to continued growth individually and collectively 👊🏻

Erin Miller's avatar

Thank you, KS!! Just trying to keep up with *you*. So grateful for all of your generosity and support and encouragement. Mad respect and admiration. 🧡

Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

"To truly hold space for our kids, we must learn how to hold space for ourselves."

Erin, this statement leapt off the page at me. Although I didn't have that statement to guide me when my girls were young, I knew I would need to find a way to forgive my inadequacies and do better. It happened by seeking counseling with someone that truly understood dysfunctional family systems.

Was I a perfect parent? No, but I continued to strive towards positive parenting.

Erin Miller's avatar

This means a lot—thank you, Nancy. It’s clear from your contributions in this space how deeply you’ve shown up for your girls, even during the toughest times. And the work you’ve done to understand your story and parent with intention (and share with others)… that’s love in action. Blessed kids, blessed mom. 🧡

Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

Thank you, Erin

Marina Strigari's avatar

Happy one year anniversary Erin! Your work has been a great ressource for me as a parent of two. Congratulations!

Erin Miller's avatar

Thanks so much, Marina! 🧡

Little Seasons Learning's avatar

Looking forward to it!

Erin Miller's avatar

Fantastic! If you have any feedback, don't hesitate to send it my way. I want this to be a valuable tool, shaped by readers. 🧡