Friday, October 12, 2012

Striving for better, not perfection as a parent



As a parent, we start each day, often earlier than originally planned, but each day can be better.

I know that I feel like I'm never at my best, but I can strive for better.

I can know better and then do better.

I know I often hear that knowing better only causes guilt. Does this mean we should fail to recognize our room for growth and instead just "be" and never know how much better we could have been?

If a friend said they were just dong "okay," do we just pretend that's fine or do we ask what we can do or give them a hug? 

If we're just barely making it financially, we can just pretend that's fine but it is better for all around if we can remove barriers (expenses) or increase what we have coming in (income)?

Parenting is the same. We have struggles. We have days when we don't know how we did or how we'll do it tomorrow, but we can give those hugs when times are tough, remove barriers to a more smooth day (such as unnecessary "no" answers) and increase those things that help things go smoother (giving more time to get somewhere, for example). 

So tomorrow, or if it is still night time and your little one wakes up for the 12th time, give them a hug, help them back to bed and in the morning... remove the barriers to better by learning what works for you and your kiddos! Then, recharge yourself with something to relax so that the next day, you may just have that much more ability to strive to be that better parent you want to be. 

Don't be afraid to learn that what you previously thought may not be best. It was what you did when you didn't know better. We all face this and we only grow if we're willing to accept where we were, strive for better and be at peace with the past. 

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Great Post! I agree I make mistakes, but I try my best every day.

Unknown said...

This applies to SO many things, too. Thanks for the reminder!!

Unknown said...

Great sentiment for the day!

crunchyfarmbaby said...

Fabulous reminder! Thank you - I needed this today!

Sarah @ Made in USA Challenge said...

This is some great advice. So many of us try to be the perfect parent, but the truth is it doesn't exist. We call all just do the best we can for our children.

Nicole @ Some Call It Natural said...

Great advice. Learn something new every day and then apply it to tomorrow. :)

Margaux said...

Lovely post, always great to have the reminder :)

Becky Elmuccio said...

Well said. Great post to remind everyone to take a breath, think and proceed.