How to Cope with Parenting Guilt

You may worry you aren’t doing everything right as a parent, or feel like you can never do enough, but reality is, no one is perfect. Every parent worries about their child’s safety, health and well-being. When you’re feeling guilty about your parenting, think about the following reminders:

• Be realistic

Sometimes you may feel guilty for small things, but you have to be realistic with your expectations of yourself as a parent. Set your standards for yourself and try to do your best. Being realistic with yourself can help you think through why you may be feeling guilty and if that feeling is warranted for the situation.

• Perfection doesn’t exist

You may often stress about everything being perfect that you develop the mindset that you have to be the perfect parent for your child to be happy. But, you don’t. There’s not always one correct way to do things.

• Be yourself

Setting your own rules and not comparing yourself to others will help you feel more confident as a parent. You know you and your family best, and you know what works for them. Most of the time, what you see on social media is a fake reality, but what you live each day is the true reality of parenting.

• Kindness is key to a healthy lifestyle

Being hard on yourself isn’t going to solve your guilt. Be kind to yourself when you make a mistake and learn from it. Remind yourself that no one is perfect, and you’re trying your best to give your child the best life. You may be hard on yourself because you care too much, and it’s expected that you care about your children, but remember to care for yourself, too.

Photo: ©iStock.com/globalmoments