The Gold Standard We Set For Ourselves (and our kids!)

Written By Jenny Kim

The Milano 2026 Winter Games are officially a wrap, and honestly... I have cried my eyes out. There is something so moving about watching an olympian athlete finish their routine and seeing that explosion of energy from the teammates, the coaches, the families, and the crowd. We’re sitting on our couches at home, but we’re right there in the "Kiss and Cry" with them. But behind those gold medals, there is a lesson for all of us about the "Gold Standards" we set for our own lives.

The Ambition Trap

When we watch these superstars, it’s easy for our brains to go into overdrive:

  • The Dreamers: Some of us have big goals for our kids. We push them to excel because we want them to have every opportunity, from the Ivy League to the podium.

  • The Skeptics: Others see it as pure entertainment—something fun to watch, but totally out of reach for "normal" people.

But the Olympics just reminded us that excellence isn't a straight line. Take Alysa Liu. She was a world-class prodigy at 13, but by 16, she walked away from the sport because she was burned out. She lived a "normal" life for two years.

Then, she came back on her own terms. Watching her win Individual Gold in Milano last week wasn’t just about her jumps; it was about her joy. She proved that life isn't a race. Sometimes, you have to leave the path to find the one that actually leads to the gold.

Finding the Right Room

If you watched the skating, you saw that energy at the edge of the ice. People jumping, screaming, and crying for each other. It makes you think: Who is in your circle? THIS IS THE ENERGY WE BRING

Ideally, we want people who cry with joy when we win and hold us up when we struggle. But the truth is, even with a strong support system, we each have unique challenges. Sometimes, our closest friends or family simply won't understand exactly what we’re going through.

That is why Parenthood Together exists. This isn't an "echo chamber" where everyone has to agree or have the exact same wins. There are no two parenthood journeys that look identical. And I can guarantee you that none of us are remotely close to being perfect parents (there is no such thing!).

But we do have one thing in common: We consciously parent. We give a damn about how this next generation turns out, and we are willing to give it everything we’ve got.

My Unconventional Path

When people talk about "unconventional paths," I’m usually the first one to raise my hand. My life has been anything but a straight line.

I started Parenthood Together over ten years ago as a simple email group that turned into a Facebook group for 50 of my closest friends. I told them they could only invite their "coolest parent friends." Today, we’re reaching over 60,000 people monthly across our social channels.

In 2020, at the height of COVID-19, this community did something miraculous. We launched our Feeding Heroes Program, and you all donated over $100,000. You volunteered your time to mobilize an entire system—with PR, marketing, and even partnerships with Olympians from Team USA getting the word out.

But right at that peak, life had other plans. In the middle of that success, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After building and selling three successful businesses before I was 40, I suddenly had no energy left to give. I had to stop and heal—mentally and physically. It took a long time to find my drive again. But just like the athletes we see on TV, I learned that the detour and the recovery are actually what make the victory meaningful.

Our Next Chapter

I've mobilized a small but mighty team here behind the scenes at Parenthood Together, who are going to continue to encourage you on your journey. We’re bringing you webinars and in-real-life "fourth space" events to connect you with people who get it. All you have to do is participate and take action when you feel called to do so.

By the way-- if you write to me (jenny@parenthoodtogether.com), I want you to know: I read every single message. I take them to heart. Your HUNDREDS of stories and messages over the years, has inspired me to build. Thanks for your support and thanks for being part of this journey with me. 

 

How you can help me, help you:

Here are some Product Recommendations that Parenthood Together members have been recommending!

​Books on Resilience:

The Boy Who Makes A Million Mistakes: A Story About Growth Mindset for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilience (A Million Mistakes Series) 

 

Breakfast Recommendations: 

Jessica asked, "I have a 13 yo who gets ready and runs out the door during school days without breakfast. Any recs for a healthy ready made protein shake good for kids? Bc I’m not washing a blender every day " 

Nurri Protein Shakes

 

Make Life Easier with these: (YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THESE LISTS)

Apartment Living With Kids

Easy Travel Picks

Screen-free Activities (Great for Trips, Restaurants, Car Rides)

 

With Love,

Jenny
Founder, Parenthood Together
www.parenthoodtogether.com (our new website coming in march!!!!)

Jenny Kim