A “lighthouse parent” is often described as one who stands firm, visible, and steady, guiding rather than controlling. You don’t steer the ship for your children, rather remaining a reliable point of light while they learn to navigate life themselves.
For those who have been following me, you know that I’ve raised three daughters through grief after my husband’s untimely death, surviving instability, yet continuing to show up for my family and community. Nowadays, I’m learning to choose myself without abandoning love.
We know that lighthouses don’t chase boats, don’t force direction, don’t leave their post during storms, and don’t stop shining because someone ignores the light. They simply remain. I simply remained.
Doesn’t mean it’s painless, right? A lighthouse still stands in rough weather. My daughters are adults now: one in homelessness services, one in mental health, one in affordable housing.
This tells me what they absorbed from me, even if our relationships are strained or complicated at times.
Recently, I’ve also been shifting.
- creating boundaries
- stepping away from emotionally draining cycles
- rebuilding financially
- going to school
- traveling
- hiking
- choosing quiet over chaos
Not in a cold way. In a grounded way.
A lighthouse doesn’t jump into every storm. It stays lit so people can find their own way back.
What type of parent are you? Respond in the comments
Becoming Whole: My Story of Survival, Motherhood, and Finding Me 