Updated: Dec. 2, 2023
Originally Published: Sep. 8, 2023
Let’s face it, parents: we can be a little overwhelming at times, can’t we? Perhaps it’s because I was oblivious to the pressures before I became a parent, but it seems that we worry about countless issues today that previous generations didn’t even consider. I had no idea there were so many potential pitfalls in raising children.
Recently, I came across a post from a friend discussing various online parenting forums. She noted that some women genuinely fret over the precise brand of organic almond milk they serve to their kids. Another mom expressed guilt for giving her children non-organic vegetables, feeling she had somehow failed them. I was stunned to see these conversations happening in real time.
How did we reach a point where feeding our children anything less than the highest quality organic foods feels equivalent to neglect? A cheeseburger from a fast-food joint does not equate to failing your child.
It’s high time we stepped off the merry-go-round of parental guilt regarding food choices that ultimately won’t matter in the long run. You simply don’t have the time or emotional bandwidth to berate yourself over fast-food runs or the occasional frozen dinner. If you love growing your own organic garden and grinding grains, that’s fantastic! But if you prefer to grab a loaf of bread and some canned veggies from the store, do so without shame.
One lifestyle doesn’t hold more moral weight than another. This isn’t a moral failing we need to atone for, and being a mom who shops at specialty grocery stores isn’t a gold star. There’s no substantial evidence suggesting that kids raised on non-organic produce are less likely to reach their potential in adulthood.
Moreover, we should be mindful of how we discuss “failure” in conversations, both in person and online. When I mention my shortcomings as a parent for opting for fast food, I inadvertently send a message about my views on moms who do the same. Is that really the narrative I want to project to a fellow mom who might be struggling? No, I cannot extend grace to others if I don’t offer it to myself.
While I’m not suggesting we should neglect our responsibilities as caregivers, perhaps we can reconsider what “doing our best” means. Embracing the concept of “good enough” can be liberating. Good enough isn’t synonymous with failure; it’s simply where most of us exist. Some days, good enough might mean shopping at a regular grocery store and serving up Hamburger Helper. When we allow ourselves the grace to be good enough, we alleviate the pressure on others who may not have the same resources. Speaking about parenting with kindness gives us the room to focus on what truly matters: loving our children and ensuring they feel that love.
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Summary
Parents often feel overwhelmed by the pressures of modern parenting, especially regarding food choices. It’s crucial to recognize that feeding your child a fast-food meal does not equate to failure. Embracing the idea of “good enough” can alleviate guilt and pressure, allowing parents to focus on what really matters: loving their children.