{"id":11085,"date":"2017-03-28T07:05:58","date_gmt":"2017-03-28T12:05:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/?p=11085"},"modified":"2022-12-15T11:57:33","modified_gmt":"2022-12-15T17:57:33","slug":"failing-as-a-parent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happyyouhappyfamily.com\/failing-as-a-parent\/","title":{"rendered":"Dear Kids, On the Days I Fail…"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Inside: If you feel like you’re failing as a parent, read this beautiful letter from one mom to her kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear kids,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes I wake up in the morning, and I see that you’ve grown over night. Your face is more defined, your eyes look older, or you remember to brush your teeth without me nagging you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A part of me is excited and in awe; I know you have so much ahead of you. Another part is scared because time is racing, and I can’t slow it down. I’m afraid I haven’t always been awake and noticing, and that somehow<\/strong> I’ve slept through the magic of your growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wonder: Have I enjoyed you enough? Have I given you what you needed? Is your heart still whole? Is your spirit unbroken?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A confession for you.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I’m not always as good as I want to be at being your mom. I want to be great; and sometimes I am, but sometimes I’m not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every day, I make mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"To<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sometimes I snap when I should be sensitive.
Sometimes I lecture and give chores when what you needed was a hug.
Sometimes I mistake your pain for complaining or your sad heart for a bad attitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes I completely and utterly<\/strong> miss it. I know that I do. I watch myself miss it, and later I grieve that I didn’t respond differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: How to Go From Angry Mother to Happy Mom: With 5 Simple Hair Ties<\/a> {Printable}<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is when I’m failing as a parent.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I miss it when I’m tired, and you get my leftovers at the end of a long day. I wish that you didn’t, but sometimes you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I miss it when I’m scared. I’m scared of big things and little things. I really thought adults had it all figured out, but I am one now, and it turns out we don’t<\/em>. Sometimes fear snatches my heart and I can’t seem to think of anything else. I forget to relax and to enjoy you. I forget to smile and to laugh. I’m working on that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I miss it when I’m lost. I’m struggling with my own demons, and it has nothing to do with you. Sometimes it’s anxiety or it’s depression, but it’s never, ever<\/strong> your fault. I will keep striving for wholeness so that when you reach those same obstacles, I can help you get back to whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus:<\/strong> As a bonus for joining my weekly newsletter, get a free cheat sheet<\/a> of 75 positive things to say to your child that will make them feel loved.<\/p>\n\n\n