In Search of Perfection/Bad Parenting 101

Today's parents are put under so much pressure and scrutiny these days. Society expects us to be firm but kind, to create structure yet encourage freedom, to protect them yet let them experience life, to give them responsibilities but let kids be kids, encourage them to be a team player yet foster independence. The parenting books and articles that are out right now are likely to cause any earnest, well meaning parent to have a full blown anxiety attack!!

Well I came across this infograph a while back and it takes the cake. It's basically saying that every time a child misbehaves, it's the parent's fault! I can't help but wonder...does this person or these people even have children? Brace yourselves for "bad parenting 101."

Does your child ever have low self-esteem? Well it's your fault. Has your child ever lied? Well that's your fault too.

As if we're not hard on ourselves already!! Let's take the first one for instance... I'm plenty affectionate and sometimes they still "disturb" me, and if I wasn't a very touchy-feely person, would that make me bad?
And #7...I'm careful to never compare my children and play favorites, but they still get jealous of one another from time to time.

To me a bad parent is someone who leaves their child in a car on a hot day, or someone who neglects to feed them, or someone who beats on their children. But not letting them choose?

Don't get me wrong, I do believe that a parent is somewhat responsible for their child's behavior, and maybe some of these are valid in some circumstances, but in my opinion this infograph overlooks a little thing called factors. Factor in genetics, factor in environment, factor in parents, factor in the fact that we all do something wrong at some point in our lives and factor in the fact that since there is no perfect child, then according to this we are ALL bad parents!! I know you may feel a sense of pride when you think about your children, but be honest. Be really honest.

In case I'm wrong, I am in search of perfect children and perfect parents. Find me a child who has never done any of these things, and I will forever worship you as a "good" parent.

If you came across this and it makes you feel bad or you're questioning yourself as a parent, relax. Self evaluation is healthy to a point. Just don't feel the need to walk on eggshells. There are many ways to be a "good" parent, and chances are you're doing just fine.

Anyway, thanks for reading my rant.

Love, snowpea ❤

I'd like to know your thoughts. What is your impression of this infograph?