Redefine Parenting Wins: Celebrate Progress Over Perfection

Happy Friday, My Fellow Blunt, Gritty, and Sometimes Witty Folks!

This week has been a rollercoaster, and a recurring theme has hit particularly close to home: the eternal struggle of parenting. Seriously, I'm convinced that parenting is one of the hardest jobs out there. You're raising this tiny human who is completely dependent on you, yet you're supposed to nurture their independence. Oh, and let's not forget co-regulating their emotions while staying calm yourself, all while navigating your own trauma triggers that flare up every time your kid does something that pokes at your brain.

Yeah, good luck with that.

Finding the Wins

So, what did I focus on with my clients this week? Well, it's all about finding the wins where we can. Sometimes, we need to redefine what winning means. For instance, maybe you managed to get your kid to switch from video games to watching a movie with the family. Sure, it’s still screen time, but you’re together, and that’s progress. Progress over perfection, folks.

Progress Over Perfection

Sometimes, a win is when your kid comes home, spills the tea about school drama, and cries on your shoulder. They don’t want advice; they just need a safe space to vent. If you can provide that, you’re winning.

And sometimes, a win is simply surviving the day with everyone intact. The virtual world might bombard us with unrealistic standards for success, but the reality is, no one meets all those standards all the time.

Redefining Success

We only have so much energy and resilience in a day. If you’re juggling work, parenting, personal identity, relationships, friendships, health, and self-care, perfection is not the goal. Instead, aim for progress. Ask yourself, "What can I do today that makes things just a little bit better, more organized, efficient, connected, or joyful than yesterday?"

A Growth Mindset

This mindset isn't just for parenting; it's for every aspect of life. At work, school, and in relationships, shooting for perfection is just a way to try to control the uncontrollable. Instead, set yourself up for success with a growth mindset. Trying something new, shifting your perspective, and recognizing small wins are all forms of success.

Share Your Wins

I’d love to hear about your wins for the week. Let’s celebrate the small victories together. Stay blunt, gritty, and witty, my friends.

Until next time!