I know a woman who is wholly devoted to her children. She chose to be a stay-at-home mom, pouring every ounce of her energy into researching the healthiest foods, finding the best extracurricular activities, and constantly learning new ways to communicate positively with her kids. Her dedication is admirable, but there’s a significant problem: in her relentless pursuit of perfect parenting, she often forgets to truly be present with her children.
One day, as she raced across town to drop one child off at ballet and another at karate, her children sat miserably in the backseat. The joy of a birthday party they had just attended was overshadowed by her berating them for eating candy and cake—treats she had reluctantly allowed them to enjoy. She was so busy trying to create the perfect conditions for her children’s upbringing that she was making herself—and, more importantly, them—miserable. Her kids probably won’t remember the organic snacks she packed or the carefully curated activities; instead, they’ll remember the stress and scolding they felt while racing from one place to another.