From time to time, we all feel like bad parents. There are days when we get frustrated and raise our voices. There are also days when we just want to be left alone for a while, even if our children just want to spend some time with us. 

 

In those moments, the guilt of ‘failing’ at parenthood can be astonishing. Not only do we feel like bad parents inside, but when we look online for advice, the feeling is often impounded by a perfect vision on parenthood on social media. 

 

But you’re not a bad parent! You’re simply overstretched and overworked and suffering from the effects of needing to do your best at all times. If you want to stop the guilt in its tracks and make your thoughts positive again, here’s what you should try. 

 

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Have a Mantra: Being Perfect is Impossible

 

Perfection simply isn’t human. We all have our own quirks and faults and being OK with these is what it takes to be happy. From here we can work on a few things if we’re truly unhappy with what they do to our lives, but we shouldn’t blame ourselves for simply having a personality! 

 

Being a parent doesn’t cancel out those facts. You don’t suddenly need to achieve perfection and give your child the optimum. Reminding yourself of this is sometimes all it takes. As such, repeating this phrase to yourself when you’re feeling the pressure to do everything ‘right’ is key. Use it as a little motivating mantra to keep going. 

 

Talk to Other Parents in the Same Position

 

If you feel like a bad parent, you can be sure there’s at least a million other parents who feel the same way. Finding these people so you can talk about the feeling will really help. If you want to, you can visit a pro love organization to talk to mothers from all backgrounds, but these groups are just some of the various support that’s out there. 

 

You can also head online to find a virtual support group that allows people to leave comments and check back later, or you could simply reach out to a parent friend you already have and vent about things. They’re likely to already be familiar with parenting woes, and seeing as they know you, they’ll be able to tell you what’s what! 

 

Make a Priority List

 

Whether you’re a parent or not, organizing your day into bite sized, practical chunks will always help. That’s why making a proper priority list is the final tip here; not every task carries the same importance and it’s OK to let a couple things slip. 

 

Your child needing a hug will always be more important than washing the dishes cluttering the sink! Don’t let the ideal of a clean home fool you; you won’t ever be a bad parent for putting dirty plates and cups off for another hour. 

 

Feeling like a bad parent is common, but it really shouldn't be!