Celebrating Imperfection

Parenting and actually, life in general, is something NO ONE can claim they are perfect at or have figured out how to do perfectly. Obviously there are better, wiser ways to do things, but at the end of the day, the way we do things remains subjective and there are truly a million different ways to do it. 
The sad thing is, we still hold onto our pride thinking our way is best and that everyone else is wrong. 

Becoming a mother is really a journey of accepting imperfection, celebrating small victories, learning to be less critical (of myself and others) and just enjoying the moments. It's so easy to get caught up with doing the right thing, that you miss what's right in front of you: a little person whose only desire is to be loved, accepted and fed (obviously). 
I've wasted too much time worrying that I'm feeding him too much, feeding him too little,                              not teaching him to sleep better, not stimulating him enough etc. And then off I go, on a Pinterest binge to read as many articles as possible on the topic, in the hope of finding the perfect answer to my question. I log off feeling more confused and guilty than ever, and pretty much back where I started. When will the madness stop??

So here is my mission this year, and I hope you would join me:
(I say "let's" because I need to remind myself of this daily.)

• Let's celebrate imperfection: Let's celebrate our differences and learn from each other. 
• Let's recognize that there is no perfect way to raise a child and stop it with the mom guilt. 
• Let's remember that our children do not compare the way we do it to other moms and just want to be loved, accepted and made to feel important. 
• Let's enjoy and appreciate the moments. The moments that really matter. The little connections, the  "I love you mom's", the cuddles (voluntary or involuntary), the laughs and the special family moments that no one else would understand and would get no likes on Instagram. 
• Let's stop the judgment and encourage each other through the tough parts of parenthood. We are all winging it and need to be told that it's going to be ok. 
• Let's follow our instincts. As a mom, you have a natural love, patience and instinct to take care of your child. Even if you don't always feel it, it's there. Tap into your creativity. Drown out all the unhelpful advice and opinions that don't build you up and put more wind in your sails.

​Kids have survived a million different parenting strategies.
Through my time as an au-pair and working at a preschool I realized that children only want to feel heard, want to have quality-time (not just be around each other - actually DO something together) and they want to know they are secure. 
It's actually not that complicated. You love your child, so that's enough. 

Have a wonderful week - enjoy your children. Enjoy the privilege of being a mom. Remember the days when you couldn't wait to have babies and be grateful that your dream came true.
Be kind to yourself. You are doing a great job!