Intentional Parenting
Embracing Imperfection: The Power of Presence Over Perfection in Parenting
You don't have to be a perfect parent. You just have to be a present one. There is no magical point where everyone gets along, your morning and evening routines run smoothly, your teen is always willing to talk with you, your kids listen and do what you ask them to do the first time, etc. That destination doesn't exist.
My father left me a legacy of how to live and how to treat people. There was no parenting manual or map, just his innate character and core beliefs that shaped our conversations, our observations, and his modeled behaviors. Those beliefs came in several non-material "gifts" that he so freely shared: gifts like time, love, trust, patience, empathy, forgiveness, humor, and trust that became his tools on his journey of parenthood. His strategies involved pointing out those qualities in others, discussing them over coffee conversations, and behaving in a way that demonstrated his adherence to their worth in forming character.
There will be moments when you get it right:
- Your child climbs into bed and tells you something important.
- You laugh together over something completely ridiculous.
- You see your child help someone without being asked.
- You sit at the kitchen table having one of those conversations you'll remember years later.
Those are the moments that make you think, "Maybe I'm actually doing okay."
But then... there are the other moments.
- The toddler meltdown.
- The forgotten permission slip.
- The sibling fight.
- The homework battle.
- The time you lose your patience.
And perhaps the most important message: Those moments don't mean you've failed!
They're part of the journey, too.
So: Have fun! Expect the unexpected! Breathe! Observe, listen to, and model positive behavior for your kids! Most of all, give yourself permission to relax.
