why you shouldn’t feel guilty as a parent

Having three kids means I am constantly on the go. The days pass by so quickly and it always feels like there are never enough hours in the day. Even the days I meticulously plan out never pan out because I run out of time. I am lucky if I even get a couple things on my list accomplished. I end up feeling guilty and let it affect my mood for the rest of the day. Why does this happen to us as parents? Here are a few tips in helping you let it go because as a parent you are doing just fine.

1. A majority of our meals during the week are home cooked. From breakfast, to school lunches, to dinner. Remember it is ok to cheat once in a while. Pick a day of the week to be your cheat day. Make it the same day every week and take turns amongst your family picking where you will go. This makes it fun for everyone and it’s something the kids will look forward to. As a parent, you need a break sometimes so don’t feel guilty taking it.

2. I don’t personally like my children watching television or using non-educational electronics, but there are moments when I need to finish up work and know I won’t get anything done if the kids aren’t distracted. So on occasion I will turn on a movie for them to watch or have them play a game together on the i-pad. As long as they are not glued to the TV or electronics 24/7, try not to feel so guilty letting them watch or use them every once in a while. It is important to be a great parent for your children so that they will blossom into the successful people that they were born to be. Therefore, it is very important to invest into our children’s futures, but at the same time it is very important to invest in our own future too! If you are looking for information on how you can save money for the future, you could visit Key for information on how you could start doing so.

3. You forgot to carry out a promise you made to your kids. At the end of the day we are only human. Mistakes will be made and things will be forgotten. Try not to be too hard on yourself. You will have moments to make it up to them I promise.

4. You were a no show at your child’s recital, game, etc. Life happens!! Things will come up that prevent you from attending EVERY SINGLE EVENT. It’s ok to miss one every now and then, just try not to make it a habit. It might make you and/or your child feel better to talk about why you missed the event. Help your child understand you had other obligations you couldn’t miss and let them know you will do your best to make it to the next event. It may also help to ask them how the event went. Make it a big deal and make them feel special, so they know you are supporting them whether you are there or not.
5. Sometimes you need adult time. Plan a date night with your husband or a GNO. We may be parents, but again we are still human. Don’t feel guilty taken a moment to yourselves. Your relationship is important too.

6. Your child can’t be in every extracurricular activity that they want to do. Don’t feel guilty!! Sometimes you just don’t have the time or the money. Explain to your child that it is not possible to do every activity and let them choose the activity they want to partake in. You can also rotate activities through each season so they have an opportunity to try each one. These activities are a big time commitment and it’s ok if you can’t squeeze them all in.

7. Don’t make the mistake of comparing your child’s milestones to others their age!! Every child learns things at their own pace. This does not reflect your parenting skills so don’t feel guilty or beat yourself up.

8. Not signing up to be a class parent or room mom. Kids love it when their parents attend school with them, but realistically not everyone has time for this. You are still a great parent and you can support your kids in many other ways!! Don’t feel guilty!!

Perfection when it comes to life and parenting does not exist. You are not alone in the mistakes you make, but don’t let them get you down. Learn from them, and try your best not to repeat them. Guilt is a healthy emotion that simply shows how much you care for your kids!!