The sentiment expressed in a certain bumper sticker resonates deeply with my own life. As a parent of two spirited, lively daughters, I take pride in their accomplishments, both big and small. They are generally well-behaved, but like all kids, they can display their fair share of mischievousness. This holds true whether we’re at home, school, or anywhere else.
In today’s social media landscape, it seems like everyone’s children are flawless. Instagram and Facebook are filled with snapshots of kids winning awards, excelling in sports, enjoying cozy moments with friends and pets, or simply being adorable little angels. It’s easy to fall into the trap of sharing these picture-perfect moments, and I admit I do this frequently. After all, who wouldn’t want to showcase their kids’ cuteness?
However, the truth is that no child is perfect; not mine, not yours, and certainly not the neighbor’s child who always wears a smile. This can be a tough reality for some parents to accept. When children misbehave, there’s often a tendency to seek excuses or justifications—be it lack of sleep, social pressures, or dietary choices. The fact remains that our kids are human, just tiny humans trying to navigate their world. Even adults have off days and make poor choices, so why should we expect our children to be any different?
As a parent, I used to struggle with the expectation of raising “good” kids, especially once my daughters started their schooling journey. I fretted over how their behavior would be perceived by other parents and peers—a topic that could fill an entire post on its own. When my girls were younger and I worked from home, I had more control over their environment and could correct any undesirable behavior immediately. Once they began school, however, I had to rely on them to make the right choices during those six hours apart.
And yet, the reality is that my children are kind and helpful; they support their friends and teachers. But like all humans, they occasionally stumble. They don’t always turn the other cheek when faced with unkindness, and sometimes they need reminders to behave appropriately. They are learning and growing, still figuring out social dynamics at the tender ages of 6 and 9.
During family dinners, we share stories about their day, which often revolve around social challenges as they grow older. I found it tempting to interfere in their lives, to push the idea of kindness and good behavior. But I realized that my daughters, despite their youth, are still human. They are encountering real-life scenarios for the first time—how can I expect them to handle everything flawlessly?
Even as adults, we grapple with making the right choices under pressure. We face stress, anxiety, and fatigue, which can affect our behavior. My household mantra is to “choose kindness,” but I must acknowledge that even I falter at times. Children learn from both successes and mistakes; it’s an integral part of their development.
I cherish my daughters, who are capable of making wonderful choices while occasionally acting out. We discuss their experiences, helping them reflect on their actions. It would be irresponsible to support them only during their good times and not when they misstep. How else will they navigate life’s complexities if they aren’t allowed to experience the full spectrum of their emotions and actions?
Children should not be constrained to a narrow definition of perfection. They have the right to experience the highs and lows of life, to learn from their mistakes, and grow from them. My daughters are individuals who inspire others while also making poor decisions—this is part of being human. I am incredibly proud of who they are becoming, both in their achievements and in their lessons learned from misbehavior.
In summary, children are inherently flawed, just like adults. Embracing their humanity means allowing them to experience life comprehensively. After all, it’s through both good and bad decisions that they will become the remarkable adults they are destined to be.
For additional insights into related topics, check out this article on home insemination kits and this resource on infertility and conception. If you’re interested in the science of conception, this Wikipedia page on in vitro fertilisation is an excellent resource.