We parents are great at beating ourselves up about every little thing from what we feed our kids to how much time they end up spending on YouTube every week. It’s totally normal, to feel like this from time to time, but if you love your kids and you do your very best to meet their needs, chances are you are actually a great parent, and beating yourself up is not going to help anyone.
That being the case, let’s take a look at what you can do right now to stop feeling like a bad parent (because you’ve got this mama).
Embrace the “Good Enough” Parenting Style
First off, let’s toss out the idea of being a perfect parent – it’s about as realistic as a unicorn babysitter, although, admittedly, you’d be the best mom in the world if you could arrange one of those for the kids! Instead, let’s high-five the concept of “good enough” parenting. It’s about finding a balance between your child’s needs and your own. Remember, your kid doesn’t need you to be a superhero, just a loving and present human being.
Therapy: Not Just for TV Dramas
Now, let’s think about therapy. A good therapist, like David Tzall, Clinical Psychologist, can be a fantastic sounding board and provide strategies for managing stress and guilt. Plus, it’s a great space to unpack all those childhood issues you don’t want to pass down. Think of it as decluttering your mental closet.
The Power of the Parenting Tribe
Build your tribe. Connect with other parents who get it. They’re the ones who won’t judge you when your child has a meltdown in the cereal aisle. These fellow warriors can offer support, advice, or just a sympathetic ear. It’s like having a team in the Parenting Olympics.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Self-care, folks. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. You know how on airplanes they tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others? Apply that to parenting. Whether it’s a bubble bath, a jog, or just five minutes of peace with your coffee, take that time. A happy parent equals a happy child.
Set Realistic Expectations
Adjust your expectations. Not every day will look like a Pinterest board. Some days, dinner might be cereal, and that’s okay. Parenting is not a competition. It’s like gardening; even if you do everything right, some days the plants just won’t grow. And that doesn’t make you a bad gardener.
Learn from Mistakes (They’re Inevitable)
Mistakes happen. They’re like GPS reroutes on the journey of parenting. Maybe you lost your temper or missed an important event. Apologize, learn from it, and move on. It shows your kids that it’s okay to be imperfect and that what matters is how you handle slip-ups.
Celebrate the Small Wins
Celebrate the small victories. Did everyone make it through the day without a meltdown (including you)? That’s a win. It’s about finding joy in the everyday moments. Think of it like a treasure hunt where the treasures are the giggles, hugs, and those tiny moments of family bliss.
As a parent, chances are you aren’t doing too bad at all, so don’t let those little mistakes grind you down, and focus on making as many good memories with your kids as you can.
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