So why do our kids challenge us in ways that strangle our hearts?

We care fiercely! We want the best for our children, but they don’t always see it—or want to see it—in the moment. They might respond with a shrug, an eye roll, or that glazed-over stare that screams, “You don’t get me.”

And when what we’re trying to communicate is critical to their well-being and growth, that rejection crashes into us hard. It stops us in our tracks. We feel that gut punch, the sinking ache, an almost physical pain like our heart is breaking.

But that’s the paradox: we love so deeply that it hurts. And it’s within this pain that real love reveals itself.

We don’t just want to get through the day with minimal drama. We want our kids to become strong, resilient people who thrive in life. But that often means standing firm through storms of frustration and rebellion. When our kids wrestle with their own battles—identity, independence, making mistakes—we’re right there, heart exposed, fearing and hoping all at once.

Though the breakthrough is when we learn to love them more than it hurts, what we’re doing isn’t just enduring the pain — we’re transforming it. Instead of reacting in fear or anxiety, we hold steady. We listen. We choose patience. We remind ourselves that those eye rolls are part of their growth, not a rejection of our love.

Who knew parenthood could break your heart over and over? Somewhere along the way, society paints parents as unbreakable, invincible, the ones who must always have it all together. But real parents know the truth—we are vulnerable, we feel deeply, and yes, our hearts bleed. That’s why we must love them more than it hurts.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Love them more than it hurts!

So, how do you actually love your kids more than it hurts?

Here are three hard-hitting moves every parent can lean on:

1. Face the Hurt Without Running from It. The emotional pain is real, and it’s okay. Don’t let yourself bury or ignore those feelings. Acknowledge the ache of watching your child struggle or push away. It’s a sign you’re deeply invested, and that investment is the soil in which love grows.
2. Anchor Yourself to What Matters Long-Term. When your child’s behavior triggers your heart, remind yourself of the bigger picture. This moment is not the whole story—it’s a single thread in the tapestry of their growth. Keep your eyes on their potential, not just their defiance.
3. Choose Action Over Reaction. Loving more than it hurts means moving beyond your immediate feelings to intentional, grounded choices. Listen more. Speak with clarity and calm. Set boundaries that protect both your child and yourself, even when it’s hard. Your steady leadership is the space where trust grows.

Letting your heart bleed for your children might feel like pain now, but it is one of the purest forms of love. The hurt sharpens your empathy, fuels your courage, and slows you down enough to really hear what your child needs. The sting of their resistance—though painful—is the crucible where your love is tested and strengthened.

As you know, parenting is not easy. It’s brutal, messy, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once. But when you learn to love your children more than it hurts, you gift them something far beyond discipline or advice.

You gift them unwavering love that withstands the storms—love that will carry them, and you, through every challenge life throws your way.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“