Perfectly imperfect

As a mom I wish my kids could be perfect. Not for me…ok a little bit for me (let’s be honest here!) but mostly because I have big dreams for them. I am always thinking of what I can do better to support them, to raise them, and to teach them.

• Maybe we should cut down on screen-time.
• Maybe we should eat more vegetables.
• Maybe we should work on reading more.
• Maybe we need to focus more on empathy…

The list is always growing and never completed….

But then I pause.

Is this fair to my kids? To me? Should we always be living in this state of constant pressure to be better, never good enough?

• Maybe some days we will watch a long movie.
• Maybe some days we will have frozen pizza.
• Maye some days we will play instead of reading.
• Maybe some days my kids will misbehave.

Sometimes this requires me stepping back for a moment and realizing that we are never going to be perfect. And that is ok!

My children will not excel in all areas academically. They may sometimes hurt their friends’ feelings.

But it is ok. I love them despite these imperfections.

I may lose my temper some days. I may be too tired to cook an elaborate, super healthy meal.

But it is ok. They love me despite these imperfections.

Because at the end of the day, it is not about what they do or I do. It is about our relationship. Who they are, not their performance. It is not about them meeting my standards or expectations.

My oldest is an amazing artist. She loves animals and knows more facts about them than I have even ever learned. She is creative and has a vivid imagination that creates incredible stories. She is a loyal friend. She is passionate and energetic.

My youngest is shy at first but then will befriend anyone. She is a little ray of sunshine. She colours like I have never seen anyone colour before, let along another 3 year old…rainbows of colour and an extreme attention to detail. She is sweet and helpful but will surprise us with how much of a daredevil she can be.

They are loved because they are who they are. Not because of how good they can be or who they can impress.

They are perfectly imperfect and that is ok.