This Week’s Small Change – Practicing Good is Good Enough
Post written by simplicity on 9 May 20116 Comments
One of the root causes of overwhelm and stress in our daily lives boils down to believing that everything must be done exceptionally, if not perfectly. Parents often are their own worst critics and judges – aren’t we? The expectations you have of yourself are typically far greater than what others would ever put on your shoulders.
This week let’s focus on becoming The Sustainable Parent! Expecting perfection is not on the list.
Whether you’re a mom with young children, tweens, or teens, it is important to reflect on the fact that these years we spend mothering are fleeting. There will be a day when the house is quiet and still. It may feel that all of the tasks on your to-do list are never done and that somehow because there are dust bunnies under the tables and chairs and toothpaste dots on the mirror for another day that you’re just not cutting it. But you are.
It’s far more important for you to spend 5 minutes sitting quietly while a little one naps or big ones are at school to breathe in and out, to renew yourself with a yoga pose or two than to use it for scrubbing, laundering, or cooking. Slow down, all is well. Nothing has to be perfect. Relationships take precedent over things. So if a kid needs some extra snuggles or your listening ear, put it at the top of the list and turn away from the email you’re writing or blog your reading or pot your scrubbing or text message that is dinging.
Good is good enough and that’s sustainable.
Thank you, perfect timing!
I am reading your book and I am completly on board! We are currently in the middle of a massive de-cluttering and it is so freeing! My kids are responding great! I am so thankful I found this while they are still so young!
I couldn’t agree more! It’s nice to hear it said that it’s okay to have a messy (not filthy) house to spend more time recharging your batteries so you can be a more patient, loving and supportive parent. There’s plenty of time in the future to have an immaculate house. Thanks for this post.
I really needed to hear this! I’m going to print out the last 2 paragraphs and stick them somewhere to remind myself.
Well, I just read today’s email and I’m feeling like I’ve messed up because when I was homeschooling my eldest I would often Google things with her. I thought it was fine but now your newsletter says it’s not. It’s always something; there’s always something to do wrong if one reads these things.
We don’t know what we need to know until we know it.
Sounds like googling things with your child engaged you in learning and made it fun for both of you. Connection is never a bad thing. Are there other ways to connect and learn? Sure! You have the opportunity to reflect on the idea that perhaps there’s another way to go about investigating new things other than google. The most important thing you can do for your child is develop a strong, secure bond with her. Has that been damaged or affected by googling facts and info? I doubt it. No worries. Allow new parenting ideas to come in, process and reflect, and ask yourself, “is this for me? Does this new information help me to be a better parent?” If yes, then incorporate it and carry on. Do not tarry in a spot of remorse, regret, shame, or guilt. One must move forward to grow. Onward! 
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