It often feels like we are expected to be perfect parents. Parents, especially mothers, are held to the highest standards in society and when we are out with our kids, we find no shortage of strangers who are ready to give us unsolicited advice.
However, all parents are human and make mistakes—the trick is not to keep making the same mistakes. Since there’s no such thing as a perfect parent, trying to be one only leads to stress, disappointment, frustration, and guilt.
What to try instead:
- Be realistic: Having realistic expectations of yourself can go a long way toward reducing stress and helping you feel better about your parenting skills. You should not expect that you will magically know all there is to know about parenting. Remind yourself that every parent learns to deal with challenges as they come.
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