Perfectly Adequate Parenting

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As a mother, I am far from flawless. I won’t pretend to have it all figured out. There are moments when I lose my temper, raise my voice, and struggle to keep my cool. I often overwhelm my children with choices, believing in fairness for all. I allow them to indulge in junk food, binge-watch TV shows, and log too many hours on video games. Summers are especially challenging when it comes to maintaining a consistent bathing routine. It’s not uncommon for my kids—and my husband—to run out of clean socks before I manage to tackle the laundry. Dinner plans? I often drop the ball on that too. I don’t enforce daily reading, and I find it difficult to engage in board games or imaginative play. Additionally, limitations on activities can sometimes leave me feeling guilty when I can’t drive them to every event they wish to attend.

Yet, as I navigate through motherhood—now in my 13th year—I find myself becoming better at managing my emotions, taking deep breaths, and modeling the behavior I wish to see in my children. I’ve realized that being overly permissive can lead to chaos, especially with my clever son. While I don’t impose strict rules, we do have established guidelines around treats, screen time, and video games, and I feel good about that balance.

Bathing may not always be a daily occurrence, but I ensure my children leave the house presentable and that they maintain good hygiene, like brushing their teeth regularly. Laundry may fall behind occasionally, but I strive to provide them with everything they need. Cooking isn’t my favorite pastime, yet no one goes hungry, and I appreciate meals prepared by others.

I encourage my children to read but refrain from making it a chore. My hope is that they will develop a love for reading by seeing me enjoy it. While board games and pretend play aren’t my strong suits, I make an effort to spend quality time with them in other ways. My vision issues prevent me from driving, which means sometimes I rely on their dad or friends to take them places. Although I occasionally feel guilty about this, I know they will grow from this experience of navigating disappointment.

I may not be perfect, but I am more than sufficient. I prioritize my children’s needs above my own, learning from my mistakes and showing them that it’s okay to be human. I cherish my kids; they bring me immense joy. I shower them with affection, stay engaged in their education, communicate with their teachers, and assist with their homework. Their health and well-being are paramount—I ensure they get enough rest, make regular doctor appointments, and provide comfort when they’re unwell. We share laughter, discuss challenging topics, and I understand them like no one else. My love for them is boundless, and I express this daily.

I am their mother. I may not be the ideal mom, but I am perfectly adequate.

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Summary:

Navigating motherhood comes with its challenges, and while I acknowledge my imperfections, I strive to be a supportive and caring parent. I prioritize my children’s needs, encourage their growth, and share my love with them daily. My journey as a mom may be far from perfect, but I am content with being perfectly adequate.