Don't try to be a perfect parent; instead, be a compassionate parent

  Being a compassionate parent means practicing forgiveness every day (and even every moment) with ourselves while responding kindly to our children. When our children are struggling or becoming difficult, it is the time to allow mistakes to happen but without letting love or belonging be confused. We model and provide gentle guidance instead of using harsh words or punishments that only strip their self-esteem. It is best to provide a safe space in the relationship to explore and work through all emotions, especially the difficult ones. Compassionate parenting is also about learning to take good care of ourselves so that we can care for our children without feeling resentful or exhausted. We not only forgive them, but we also forgive ourselves for not having done it right all the time or for not being perfect at it. We can let go of irrational and unrealistic expectations and just be present in body, mind, and spirit. We let them know that we are here, and we will never abandon them or give up. We believe in them, and we believe in ourselves. Compassion helps us positively inspire our children to make healthy and lasting changes in their lives while we do the same in ours. Compassion is not demanding or critical. It is more about accepting, loving, and being kind. When we treat ourselves with compassion, we can extend that practice to those around us. If you found this entry interesting, you might want to read: What are the signs of a spoiled child Techniques to stop tantrums What you need to know for your baby's nutrition