Parenting Through the Chaos: Why Mistakes Are Part of the Journey

Imagine this: It’s 7:30 a.m., and you’re already behind. One kid can’t find their shoes, another is refusing breakfast, and the coffee you desperately need is cold. You snap, bark a command, and immediately feel the familiar wave of guilt. 

Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Parenting is messy, unpredictable, and full of moments where we feel like we’re falling short. But here’s the thing: perfection was never the goal. 

In this post, we’ll explore why embracing imperfection is the key to progress—and how showing your kids that it’s okay to make mistakes can lead to a healthier, happier family life. 

1. The Pressure to Be a Perfect Parent
Social media, advice books, and well-meaning friends can make it seem like there’s a “right” way to parent. This pressure can leave you feeling like you’re always one step behind. 

Reality Check: Perfect parenting doesn’t exist. What matters is being present and doing your best with the resources you have. It is more impactful to make an honest and full apology and repair than it is to get everything 100% right. That shows your children that it is human to make mistakes and that it is what you do after the mistake happens that matters more than the misstep.  

2. Progress Over Perfection
Every small, positive change you make adds up. Whether it’s taking a deep breath instead of yelling, spending five extra minutes connecting with your child, or apologizing when you lose your temper, these moments matter. 

Why It Works: Kids learn resilience and self-compassion by watching you navigate challenges. When you model imperfection, you teach them that mistakes are part of growth. Kids are also always watching how you handle these missteps and how you move forward. This creates their internal model for how they are to handle their own missteps. If you don’t love how your child handles frustration, disappointment, embarrassment, or correction- first step is to reflect on what you are role modeling for them when you experience those same experiences and emotions. The more you can role model the skills you want your child to use, the greater the likelihood they will use those tools! 

3. Celebrate the Wins (No Matter How Small)
Parenting victories don’t always look like grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as staying calm during a tantrum or getting through a bedtime routine without tears. 

Reflection Tip: At the end of each day, jot down one thing you did well. Over time, these small wins will remind you of how far you’ve come.  

Our body creates what our brain thinks- the greatest way to shift behavior is to shift our thoughts around it! 

 So, the next time the morning feels like chaos, give yourself grace. Take a deep breath, hug your child, and remind yourself: it’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up, trying again, and making progress. 

Your kids don’t need a flawless parent—they need a loving, present one. And that’s exactly who you are. 

If you find yourself wanting support, we have a few options. 

Our Calm Within the Chaos hybrid workshop allows you to work through content on your own time and join our live group coaching to get support in real time. This option balances the best of both words! Click HERE to learn more. 

Our parenting workshops allow you to work through content with peers and establish a plan for how to continue to take action post workshop. This option prioritizes quickly getting information and peer conversations! 

Our 1:1 parent coaching allows parents and caregivers to have weekly conversations about present day struggles and work through content at their pace. This option is great for people who want 1:1 support! Please note- there is often a long waitlist for 1:1 parent coaching, so starting with the hybrid class or workshop is a great way to get started while getting on a waitlist.