Your child may think you're perfect, but don't worry; you have their entire life to prove them wrong and instill in them a realistic expectation that doesn't hold you to an impossible standard. That's right, despite best laid plans, there are big mistakes every good mother eventually makes, even when she's amazing in every other way imaginable and tries her absolute best to be failure-free. Making mistakes is part of what makes us human, and even though you clearly don't want to make mistakes that might hurt your children, once you become a parent it can (and usually will) happen to the best of us.
Being a parent comes with so much pressure to begin with, so being afraid to mess up can actually become crippling and debilitating and just, well, unhealthy. If I'm being honest, I can tell you that the fear of failure is a continued issue for me. I'm constantly wondering whether the choices I make, as a parent, are creating longterm issues for my kids. And while it can be really freeing to just embrace my imperfections and succumb to the fact that I will mess up over and over and over again, it's also incredibly hard to do so. I've found that coming to that realization is a necessity, though, because thinking you're perpetually letting yourself and your children down every time you make a (even minor) mistake will haunt you forever.
You will screw up. Sorry, but you will. And guess what? That is okay, because you are far from alone when it comes to motherhood and the inevitable shortcomings that go along with it. In fact, you're joining a pretty gigantic club that's called every parent ever. So, with that in mind, let go of those unrealistic parenting expectations and embrace these 13 big mistakes every good mom will eventually make:
Not Dressing Your Kid Warmly Enough
Every mom has had that moment when, halfway to the park, they realize that it isn't nearly as warm in the shade as it is in the sun, and that you should've packed mittens, or a blanket, or a sweater. You'll probably feel like everyone is judging you as you turn back home to get some warmer clothes for your kid.
Being Late To Pick Your Kid Up From Daycare
Crappy traffic happens and delayed trains happen and late busses happen, and sometimes you just can't get yourself out of the office any sooner than you inevitably (and finally) did. It will always feel horrible to walk in to the daycare and see your kid sitting quietly by themselves, but I can guarantee you that you aren't the first and you won't be the last, to do so.
Giving Your Kid Too Much Sugar
That shrug you gave when your kid asked for their second (or third) cupcake? Yeah, you'r going to regret that shrug, but it happens to the best of us.
Not Cooking Enough Food For A Meal
You find yourself saying out loud, "But they've only been eating two chicken nuggets each for months now. Why do they suddenly want six?" And then you'll probably scrambling to fill their stomachs on snacks and (maybe) semi-healthy food until bedtime because a full belly is just better.
Forgetting To Pick Your Kid Up From Somewhere Altogether
It's a rite of passage, unfortunately. I promise that your kid will forgive you, but I can't promise that your kid won't hold it over your head when it's absolutely fortuitous for them.
Not Sending Enough Food To School
Nothing feels more awesome than your kid getting out of school and complaining loudly, "Mom! I'm hungry, you didn't pack enough food," for all the other moms to hear.
Forgetting To Pack Something Vital
You know, like a bathing suit when you're going to the pool, or rubber boots on the day of a big rainstorm. I can at least tell you that you're not the only one. I mean, that's helpful, right?
Forgetting About A Permission Form
And then you find yourself calling the school, asking if they can make an exception so your kid can go to the museum, too. At that point, you can basically hear the receptionist rolling their eyes at you and judging you internally.
Looking Away Long Enough For Your Kid To Get In Some Serious Trouble
We've all done it, right? Looked away for what feels like just a moment, only to hear something (or someone) toppling over, shattering, and eventually screaming. The guilt is almost as bad as the actual damage that was incurred. Just this weekend, my husband looked away long enough while cooking for my toddler son to climb up onto a stool and grab a hot pan with his bare hands.
Accidentally Dropping/Hurting Your Kid
This is the absolute worst, and there isn't a mom out there who hasn't unintentionally been the reason their baby is crying, who doesn't want to crawl into a hole and die. Whether it's your baby rolling off the bed or your toddler jumping off of something you didn't realize they were on; it's difficult to keep an eye on them at all times, so trust me mom, it's okay. Kids are built to survive their parents.
Forgetting To Buckle Your Kid In
Hopefully you're thinking of the stroller, when you read this. Definitely not the car seat though. Nope, nobody ever forgets to buckle their four week old in properly, when they get in the car for a road trip that lasts 90 minutes, and is entirely on the highway. Certainly not my husband and I. No, no way. Not at all. Not even once. Gulp.
Allowing Your Kid To Destroy Property
I'm not necessarily talking, like, a broken vehicle window or something, but I'm totally talking about a rogue permanent marker on a wall or a not-so-accidentally ripped couch. Again, it's pretty impossible to keep your eye on your kids at all times, and sometimes it takes a while before you realize that your kids is being way too quiet for their actions to be anything other than destructive.
Losing Your Kid
Talk about an ultimate fear. Seriously, I have had nightmares about losing my kid and never, ever, finding them again. But it can (and does) happen. Whether it's in a supermarket or in a mall or at a playground, your kid will likely decide to venture off and you'll likely lose track of where they are. It definitely doesn't mean you're a bad parent, it just means your kid is adventurous and you're facilitating and encouraging their sense of wonder, right?
