As a mother, I acknowledge my imperfections. I do not claim to be flawless. I occasionally lose my patience, raise my voice, and sometimes overwhelm my children with choices, believing fairness is essential. I allow them to indulge in junk food, binge on television, and spend extensive time on video games. During the summer months, I struggle to maintain a routine for their bathing. There are times when my children and partner run out of clean socks before I can catch up on laundry. Planning dinner every night is not my strong suit, and I don’t enforce a daily reading habit. Playing games is not my forte, and I can’t attend every activity they express interest in.
However, after 13 years of navigating motherhood, I have improved in maintaining my composure, taking deep breaths, and modeling appropriate behavior for my children. I’ve learned that while I don’t want to be an authoritarian parent, offering too many choices can lead to confusion and misbehavior, particularly with my astute son. I don’t impose strict restrictions on treats, screen time, or gaming; instead, we establish rules that govern these activities, which I feel is a balanced approach.
While my children’s bathing schedule may be sporadic, I ensure they do not leave the house looking unkempt, and they brush their teeth daily. Although we sometimes run low on clean clothes, I generally ensure they have what they need, as it only takes a quick load of laundry to resolve the issue. Cooking is not my favorite task, but I do it, and regardless of meal planning, no one goes hungry in our home.
I encourage my children to read without making it a requirement, believing that pressure could diminish their interest. I may not enjoy board games or imaginative play, but I engage with them in other meaningful ways. Due to my vision limitations, I can’t always drive them to their desired activities, but their father or friends often assist. Although I occasionally feel guilty about this, I recognize they will cope with the minor disappointments.
I may not embody the ideal of a perfect mother, but I am indeed ENOUGH. I prioritize my children’s needs above my own and am humble enough to recognize and learn from my mistakes. This humility sets a positive example for them. I genuinely appreciate my children; they are my world. I shower them with affection, stay involved in their education, maintain communication with their teachers, and assist with homework. I ensure they get adequate sleep, schedule regular doctor visits, and comfort them when they are unwell. I share laughter and engage in difficult discussions with them. I know my children intimately and love them beyond words. They are my heart, and I express this to them daily.
I may not be the perfect mother, but I am perfect ENOUGH.
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In summary, parenting is a journey filled with challenges and imperfections, yet embracing these flaws allows us to grow and nurture our children in meaningful ways.