As a mother, I openly acknowledge my flaws. Perfection? Not even close. I sometimes lose my patience, raise my voice, and I tend to overwhelm my kids with choices, believing that fairness is paramount. I allow too many snacks, too much screen time, and way too many video games. Each summer, I struggle to maintain a consistent bathing routine for my children. Occasionally, my family finds themselves out of clean socks because laundry isn’t always at the top of my to-do list. Dinner planning? Not my strong suit. I don’t enforce daily reading, and I’m not the biggest fan of playing board games. Plus, I can’t always drive them to their desired activities due to my poor eyesight. But here’s the silver lining: after 13 years in the trenches of motherhood, I’ve learned to breathe deeply, keep my cool, and model appropriate behavior for my kids.
I don’t subscribe to a strict parenting style; instead, I’ve realized that too much freedom can lead to chaos, especially with my clever little boy. While I allow treats, screen time, and gaming, we establish rules that everyone understands and respects. Sure, bathing might not happen every day, but I ensure my kids are presentable and that they brush their teeth daily. The laundry situation may not always be perfect, but I generally make sure they have what they need; it doesn’t take long to run a load.
Cooking isn’t my favorite pastime, but I manage to keep everyone fed, whether it’s a home-cooked meal or takeout. I encourage my kids to read without imposing it as a requirement, showing them my own love for books in the process. I’m not the best at board games or imaginative play, but I engage with them in other meaningful ways. Sometimes, I can’t take them to their desired events, but I’ve learned that fleeting disappointment is part of life. They always find ways to have fun, with a little help from Dad, friends, or even Gramps.
I may not be flawless, but I am ENOUGH. I prioritize my kids’ needs above my own, admit my mistakes, and learn from them. I believe this humility sets a good example. I genuinely like my kids—they are more than enough for me. I shower them with affection, stay involved in their education, maintain communication with their teachers, and ensure they get enough sleep. Regular doctor visits and caring for them when they’re sick are part of my routine. I laugh with them and tackle tough conversations head-on. I know my kids better than anyone else, and my love for them is immeasurable. They are my heart, and I remind them of that every single day.
So, while I may not be a perfect mom, I am perfectly ENOUGH.
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Summary
This article explores the realities of imperfect parenting, emphasizing that while mistakes are part of the journey, love and attentiveness make up for shortcomings. It highlights the importance of setting appropriate boundaries, engaging with children, and prioritizing their needs, ultimately concluding that being a “perfectly good enough” parent is a worthy goal.
Keyphrase: “good enough parenting”
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