If you are thinking about being a perfect parent, that is the wrong thought! First of all, such a thing doesn’t exist. Instead, I suggest that you cultivate the sum of all the imperfections that make you unique, as this is exactly what makes you the parent your children need.
Why is it advisable to stop striving to be a “perfect” parent?
Imagine the life of the perfect parent. Always listening, never nervous, offering great activities every day while having a spotlessly tidy home. Wouldn't that be an overwhelming role model for your child to live up to? No matter what, during his or her whole life, your child would never come close to their “perfect” parent!
When it comes to their parenting, parents need to gain self-confidence and trust themselves more.
What if you ended up doing your children a favour by being an imperfect parent? This way, they will always be up to the task.
They will treasure great memories by remembering all those times when you ran out the door without your keys, combined different kinds of pasta because there wasn’t enough of the same type, giggled while flooding the bathroom or ran down the street to catch the bus.
What about managing to put your fears aside so as not to pass them on to your children? Isn't that the most complex thing for all parents?
Your fears are not theirs, and they shouldn't be. Always try hard to put what worries you to the side, focusing on your children’s needs instead.
Help your children develop their self-confidence. Look for positive things in everything they do, even when they are wrong. Making mistakes is essential for growth. Only people who do nothing are the ones who never make mistakes.
Choose to do things that you love with your children. Just because you become a parent doesn't mean you have to forget yourself. Try to find the right balance to make yourself happy, and to please your children too. It has to go both ways.
Teach your children to take every opportunity to have fun. This is just as important as teaching them to be polite, follow the rules and take care of others. Far from being something superfluous, it’s essential for feeling more relaxed and at ease in our day-to-day activities.
Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone has their own pace, their own stories, their own abilities and their own desires. Enjoy the meaningful moments you experience as a parent, because from pleasure springs the desire to become an even better person.
To conclude, let me give you one very last piece of advice: FORGET EVERYTHING I JUST TOLD YOU.
This is for one very simple reason: only you know what is good for you, and your child. Don’t let anyone tell you how you should educate your children. Don’t try to shape your lifestyle on rules that are not yours. Follow your own educational advice: you know… that little voice also known as instinct.
As we step into the new school year, Mr. O'Neill shared a powerful message with the students: starting school is like beginning a new chapter in the book of our lives.
