3 Harmful Beliefs That Knock Your Parenting Confidence

Do you sometimes question your ability as a parent? You never know what the next challenge, hurdle, or situation will be, but what you can be confident in is your ability to figure it out. 

Here are 3 beliefs that rob you of your confidence. Let’s set them straight. 

“I have to be a perfect parent to raise successful children”

After being an entrepreneur for over a decade, I’ve learned the hard way that perfection is the enemy of success. Setting standards so high that you can’t even reach them leaves you feeling disappointed and like you’re never doing enough. Same goes for parenting. Are you growing as a parent? Are you learning to do better? If so, you are making progress. Choose PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION.

“I have to spend enough time with my child to be a good parent” 

Who gets to say how much time is enough? I spent a good chunk of the first 5 years of my children’s lives with them, and I feel devastated by what I missed because I wasn’t present with them. Time is not the biggest factor; quality of time is. So if you’re a parent who works long hours or away from your child for long periods of time and enjoys quality moments with your child, let yourself know it is ENOUGH. 

“I have to have my child’s behaviour under control to be a good parent.”

Ha, I would NOT be a good parent if this was my criteria. Toddler tantrums are normal. Teenage rage is normal. Pushing on boundaries is normal. Lying to test boundaries is normal. Children pass through developmental phases; it’s your job to help them navigate the phases, not mitigate them. You're a good parent, regardless of their behaviour. 

Feeling confident as a parent doesn’t come from certainty; it comes from being okay with uncertainty. You are not a failure if you stumble along the way.

Parenting is a journey of growing together, and confidence comes from the willingness to evolve together with your child.

Do you agree?

Much love, 

Dina