I’ve been reminded through my work with families this week that all you can do is start where you are.
No more, no less.
Even when you believe that you should have known better, or when your best doesn’t feel like enough, you can make peace with it. We’re all fallible. I know how easy it is to slip into feeling helpless, like there’s nothing you can do, hopeless, that it won’t get any better. and worthless, that you’re no good.
These things take time. It helps to be honest, to actively learn about your blind spots.
Know that when you’re critical towards others, you are likely defending against something, perhaps certain feelings or beliefs about yourself that are difficult to face.
Years ago in one of my very first parent groups, one mom said about her daughter, “She’s eight years old! I only have ten years left to teach her everything!” I know that there are valid reasons to panic. But, it’s important to take the time you need. Parents have told me that my book has been a comfort to them. Some have read it from cover to cover. Others, one idea at a time. My advice – take the time to actively engage with it, however long that takes.