Finding Awe in Parenthood: A Shift in Perspective
Discover how awe deepens our connections and enhances parental gratitude. Research shows that awe often arises in moments of shared experience, reinforcing meaning and positive emotions in caregiving.
Parenting is often described in extremes—either as a source of endless stress or as a purely joyful experience. But the reality is far more nuanced — and balanced! Parenting can push us to reflect, and is ripe for challenge and growth to coexist. One neglected dimension of this experience is awe—and even more importantly, the role of shared experience in deepening it.
Awe can be found in moments of connection. While we tend to think of it as something we feel in response to vast landscapes or extraordinary events, in caregiving, awe emerges in quieter, more intimate ways: connecting with your baby as they smile for the first time, witnessing your child’s wonder at the world, or feeling the unspoken bond that forms when you experience something meaningful together.
This shared emotional experience is also central to parental gratitude—a concept I explore in my research and throughout this website. When parents feel seen, understood, and connected to their child, gratitude naturally follows. The same is true for awe: it expands when we recognize that we’re part of something greater than ourselves.
Dr. Dacher Keltner, a leading researcher on awe, recently explored this topic in his Caring for Caregivers podcast series, highlighting how awe can serve as a powerful resource for caregivers’ well-being. His work aligns with my personal goal of reframing the parenting narrative—not as one of depletion or deficit, but as one of transformation through connection and grace.
If we recognize the presence of awe and shared experience in parenting, we open ourselves to a richer, more balanced perspective—one that acknowledges both the struggles and the profound sense of meaning caregiving can bring. - 🪷 Stef